The US Central Command has appointed Air Force Brigadier General Stephen A Clark, from the Air Force Special Operations Command Headquarters at Hurlburt Field, Florida, as the investigating officer to conduct an inquiry into the November 26 deaths of Pakistani soldiers. Centcom Commander, Marine Corps, General James N Mattis, directed Clark to provide an initial report on the incident, by December 23, the Pentagon reported.
"This is a Centcom-led investigation with full Nato co-operation and you will include Nato representation in your investigation team," Mattis said in an appointment letter sent to Clark on Monday. Nato's International Security Assistance Force and the Afghanistan and Pakistan governments will be invited to name representatives to the team. Mattis advised Clark to ensure openness and candor with the team members, respond to their questions and co-ordinate with them to receive evidence and interview witnesses.
The investigation team is to focus on the facts of the incident and any matters that would add understanding to the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries of Pakistan forces, a Pentagon news report said. According to the Pentagon, Clark also is to determine which US, Isaf, Afghan and Pakistan units were involved; which units did or did not cross the border and under what conditions and authorities; what co-ordination was conducted, what battle damage occurred and the cause of deaths and injuries; and recommendations for improving near-border operations.