A Dutch court found on Wednesday that the bombing of a civilian complex in the central Afghan province of Uruzgan by Dutch forces in June 2007 was “unlawful” and that the Netherlands should compensate for the victims’ losses.
In response to a report from a war veteran raising concerns about the legality of this action in the Chora valley of Uruzgan province, the Dutch Defense Ministry requested prosecutors look into this bombardment, which resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians.
In response to the incident that occurred during battle between multinational forces and the Taliban in the province of Uruzgan in central Afghanistan, four Afghans who were not identified in court documents reportedly sued the Dutch government.
Early on June 17, 2007, Dutch F-16 military aircraft launched 28 guided bombs in the region, 18 of which landed on “qalas,” or fortified compounds, close to the major town of Chora, the evaluated.
According to Dutch court records, the wife, two daughters, three sons, and a daughter-in-law of one of the people who complained to the court were among the victims of this horrific bombing.
According to the court, Dutch soldiers had not made a proper distinction between military and civilian objectives.
The court further stated that the precise sum of compensation to be given to the attack victims will be determined at a later time, and the Dutch Defense Ministry said it will consider the court decision.
