Fayetteville Observer : Special Forces soldiers cleared in Afghan killing

Special Forces soldiers cleared in Afghan killing

By Henry Cuningham | Military editor | September 28, 2007

Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Csrnko has dismissed all charges against two Fort Bragg Special Forces who killed an “enemy combatant” who was “under the control of friendly forces” in Afghanistan.

Capt. Dave Staffel and Master Sgt. Troy Anderson were accused of premeditated murder in the shooting of Nawab Buntangyar on Oct. 13, 2006, at the village of Ster Kalay near the Pakistan border.

Witnesses at an Article 32 hearing — held to determine whether the soldiers should be court-martialed — testified that Nawab was identified as an enemy who was involved with suicide bombers and posed a threat. The man was within “blast range” of the soldiers. Several witnesses testified that they had little confidence in the competence of the Afghans working with the Special Forces soldiers who were supposed to have control over the man.

The soldiers are members of the 3rd Special Forces Group.