Drone crew harshly criticized over Afghanistan civilian deaths

A U.S. military investigation has harshly criticized a Nevada-based Air Force drone crew and ground commanders in Afghanistan for misidentifying civilians as insurgents during a U.S. Army Special Forces operation in Oruzgan province in February, resulting in the deaths of up to 23 civilians.

Six U.S. officers will be punished and a sweeping review of counterinsurgency training will be undertaken, U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, said Saturday.

McChrystal, who called civilian deaths "heartbreaking," issued letters of reprimand to four high-ranking officers, including brigade and battalion commanders, and letters of admonishment to two junior officers. A letter of reprimand usually means an officer's career is in effect over.

Read more