Collateral Murder

The term Collateral Murder refers to a classified US military video released by WikiLeaks in 2010, depicting the killing of over a dozen people in Baghdad, including two Reuters news staff. The footage raised questions about military ethics, transparency, and the impact of war on civilians.

Background

In July 2007, a US Apache helicopter opened fire on a group of men in Baghdad, leading to the deaths of multiple individuals, including Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and journalist Saeed Chmagh. The video, classified as “Secret,” was leaked to WikiLeaks and released on April 5, 2010. This footage, titled Collateral Murder, shocked the world and sparked intense debate about the conduct of US military forces in Iraq.

Key Events in the Collateral Murder Video

• Initial Engagement: The video starts with the Apache crew identifying a group of men on a street corner. The crew mistakes camera equipment for weapons and receives permission to engage, leading to the first round of gunfire.
• Second Engagement: As a wounded Saeed Chmagh crawls away, a van arrives to assist him. The helicopter opens fire again, killing more individuals, including the driver of the van.
• Aftermath: US ground troops arrive at the scene, discovering children in the van. Despite their injuries, the children are transported to a nearby hospital.

Check out our article for a detailed timeline of events leading up to and following the Collateral Murder incident.

Ethical and Legal Implications

Rules of Engagement

The US military operates under strict rules of engagement, designed to minimize civilian casualties and ensure lawful conduct during combat. However, the Collateral Murder video raised questions about the application and adherence to these rules. Critics argue that the Apache crew’s actions violated both international humanitarian law and the US military’s own regulations.

Transparency and Accountability

The release of the Collateral Murder video highlighted the lack of transparency in military operations. It took nearly three years for the footage to surface, raising concerns about the US government’s commitment to accountability. The video also demonstrated the challenges of obtaining justice for victims of war crimes.

Impact on Journalism

The deaths of Noor-Eldeen and Chmagh underscored the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones. Their deaths prompted calls for better protection measures for media personnel and increased scrutiny of military operations involving journalists.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

Immediate Response

The Collateral Murder video generated significant media attention and public outrage. News outlets around the world covered the story, and human rights organizations condemned the actions depicted in the footage.

Long-Term Impact

Over a decade later, the Collateral Murder video continues to influence public discourse on military ethics and transparency. It remains a critical reference point in discussions about the conduct of war and the treatment of civilians and journalists in conflict zones.

Military and Governmental Response

Official Statements

The US military initially defended the actions of the Apache crew, stating that they acted in accordance with the rules of engagement. However, subsequent investigations revealed discrepancies in the official account, leading to increased scrutiny and criticism.

Policy Changes

In response to the fallout from the Collateral Murder video, the US military implemented policy changes aimed at improving transparency and accountability. These included stricter reporting requirements and enhanced training for soldiers on the rules of engagement and the protection of civilians.

The Role of WikiLeaks and Whistleblowers

WikiLeaks’ Mission

WikiLeaks, founded by Julian Assange, aims to publish classified and sensitive information to promote transparency and accountability. The release of the Collateral Murder video was one of the organization’s most significant actions, bringing global attention to the realities of modern warfare.

Whistleblowers

Chelsea Manning, a former US Army intelligence analyst, was responsible for leaking the Collateral Murder video, along with other classified documents. Manning’s actions sparked a broader conversation about the role of whistleblowers in exposing government wrongdoing and the ethical implications of leaking classified information.

The Impact on US-Iraq Relations

Diplomatic Fallout

The release of the Collateral Murder video strained US-Iraq relations, highlighting the broader issues of civilian casualties and military conduct during the Iraq War. It prompted Iraqi officials to call for greater accountability and transparency from the US military.

Long-Term Consequences

The video continues to shape perceptions of the US military’s role in Iraq, influencing both domestic and international views on the war. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving justice and accountability for wartime actions.

Conclusion

The Collateral Murder video remains a powerful testament to the complexities and ethical dilemmas of modern warfare. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and the protection of civilians and journalists in conflict zones. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of this footage, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and oversight in military operations.

Engagement

All times are presented in Zulu time (UTC), which is used by the military and can be seen on the top left corner of the video. Baghdad local time at the time of the incident was UTC+4. Military documents state that events start at 09:50, which is approximately 28 minutes before the video starts.

06:50:00	1/8 CAV moves in to assist 2/6 after a report of Small Arms Fire (SAF) in the area. They fail to positively identify (PID) the attacker.
06:18:40	Crazyhorse [lead helicopter] notices a group of people on an open plaza.
06:20:05	Crazyhorse: “Have five to six individuals with AK47s. Request permission to engage.”
06:21:09	First shots fired at the group.
06:21:41	Helicopters cease fire.
06:22:02	Helicopters notice that Saeed is injured and is crawling.
06:24:54	Crazyhorse: “Come on, buddy. All you gotta do is pick up a weapon.”
06:25:26	Helicopters notice a mini-van arriving, attempting to help Saeed.
06:25:58	Crazyhorse: “Roger. Break. Uh Crazyhorse One-Eight request permission to uh engage.”
06:26:29	Bushmaster gives permission to engage. Proceed to open fire on the mini-van.
06:27:27	Helicopters cease fire.
06:31:53	Bradley armored vehicle arrives on the scene, followed by ground personnel.
06:33:12	They discover two wounded children in the van.
06:35:14	Ground unit reports: “I’ve got uh eleven Iraqi KIAs [Killed In Action]. One small child wounded. Over.” – “Roger. Ah damn. Oh well.”
06:36:05	“Well it’s their fault for bringing their kids into a battle.”
06:36:45	Humvee drives over Namir’s body.
06:43:06	Bradley armored vehicle drives over a second body.
06:49:09	Video cuts.
07:20:42	Helicopter reports that 6 individuals have entered a building. It appears to be either under construction or an abandoned construction site.
07:21:40	“This is Bushmaster Six Romeo. Crazyhorse One Eight is going to be engaging north to south with Hellfire missiles over.”
07:23:39	Hellfire missile is fired. “Target hit.”
07:25:27	“There it goes! Look at that bitch go!”
07:26:42	“Roger, building destroyed. Engaged with three hellfire missiles.”

About Collateral Murder

“Collateral Murder” is the title given by WikiLeaks to a classified U.S. military video they released on April 5, 2010. The video, recorded from the gunsight of an Apache helicopter, shows an incident that occurred on July 12, 2007, in the New Baghdad area of Baghdad, Iraq. It captures U.S. military personnel attacking a group of individuals on the ground, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen people, including two Reuters journalists, Namir Noor-Eldeen and Saeed Chmagh.

WikiLeaks released this video to raise awareness of what they saw as the indiscriminate killing of civilians by U.S. forces. The footage also includes radio transmissions and shows the military personnel opening fire on a van that attempted to rescue the wounded. The van contained two children who were seriously injured.

The video sparked widespread debate and criticism, particularly over the rules of engagement and the classification of the attack as justified by the military investigation. The controversy highlighted concerns about the conduct of U.S. forces during the Iraq War and the treatment of journalists in conflict zones.

Summary of the WikiLeaks Video Controversy

On April 5, 2010, WikiLeaks published a classified U.S. military video that showed an Apache helicopter gunship indiscriminately killing over a dozen people in New Baghdad, an Iraqi suburb. Among the victims were two Reuters journalists. Reuters had sought this footage via the Freedom of Information Act since the incident occurred but was unsuccessful. The video depicts the unprovoked killing of a wounded Reuters journalist and his rescuers, as well as the serious wounding of two children involved in the rescue.

After Reuters demanded information, the U.S. military investigated and concluded that the soldiers’ actions complied with the law of armed conflict and their “Rules of Engagement.” WikiLeaks released the military’s Rules of Engagement from 2006, 2007, and 2008, revealing guidelines before, during, and after the killings.

The video, available in both a 38-minute full version and a shorter edited version with initial analysis, contains added subtitles from radio transmissions to clarify the context. It was leaked to WikiLeaks by military whistleblowers, and the organization verified its authenticity through cross-checking multiple sources and consulting witnesses and journalists directly involved.

On July 6, 2010, Private Bradley Manning, a 22-year-old U.S. Army intelligence analyst stationed in Baghdad, was charged with disclosing the footage after allegedly speaking to a journalist. Daniel Ellsberg, famous for releasing the Pentagon Papers, called Manning a “hero.” Manning was imprisoned in Kuwait, while none of the Apache crew or those involved in the cover-up faced charges.

WikiLeaks aims to ensure that all leaked information receives the attention it deserves. The video serves as a reminder that journalists often risk their lives to report on conflicts, especially in dangerous areas like Iraq, where 139 journalists were killed between 2003 and 2009.

For those seeking further information on “Collateral Murder,” additional resources include the official WikiLeaks page, which offers both the full and edited versions of the video along with detailed analysis and background information. Academic studies, journalistic articles, and documentary films delve into the implications of the video on the ethics of warfare, military transparency, and the treatment of journalists in conflict zones. Investigative reports from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch provide in-depth analysis of the attack, shedding light on the challenges facing journalists and civilians in war zones. Interviews with military experts, whistleblowers, and journalists offer varying perspectives on the incident and its aftermath. Additionally, books and articles detailing the legal proceedings of Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning, who was charged with leaking the footage, provide insight into the broader context of whistleblowing and government accountability.

News articles and blogs from 2007 onwards

• Reuters seeks U.S. probe into killing of Iraqi staff
• 2 Iraqi Journalists Killed as U.S. Forces Clash With Militias
• Iraq War Grief Daily Witness; some photos of Namirs
• The New York Times: 2 Iraqi Journalists Killed as U.S. Forces Clash With Militias
• Facts about Chelsea Mannings (fka. Bradley Mannings)
• Facts about Wikileaks
• 23 Facts about Collateral Murder
• Thoughts on the Middle East, Politics & the Media: A Tribute to Namir Noor Eldeen
• U.S. Soldier on 2007 Apache Attack: What I Saw
• US Rules of Engagement for Iraq, August 2007
• US Rules of Engagement for Iraq, March 2007
• US Rules of Engagement for Iraq, Flowchart 2007
• US Rules of Engagement for Iraq, Refcard 2007
• US Rules of Engagement for Iraq, Refcard 2006