US investigates whether troops in Iraq refused mission

1.00pm

WASHINGTON - The United States military is investigating the reported refusal this week by some US troops to take part in a supply convoy in Iraq, where explosive devices have killed dozens of soldiers, defence officials said today.

A statement issued by the US military in Iraq called it an "isolated incident." Family members of some of the nearly 20 troops told a US newspaper that security for the fuel trucks was inadequate.

The military statement said 19 members of the 343rd Quartermaster Company, a unit that moves water and other supplies for American troops, did not report to formation to prepare for their assigned convoy mission on Wednesday morning. It said the investigation would determine whether the military's strict code of conduct was violated.

Refusal to obey orders, especially in a combat zone, is a serious military offence. But the statement stressed that "it is far too early in the investigation to speculate as to what happened, why it happened or any action that might be taken."

The Clarion-Ledger newspaper in Jackson, Mississippi, reported on Friday that interviews with some family members indicated that soldiers from the unit, based in Tallil, refused to go on the mission because they felt they did not have an adequate armed escort and the vehicles were not in good shape.

"Initial indication is that the soldiers scheduled for the convoy mission raised some valid concerns and the command is addressing them," the military statement from Iraq said, adding that some soldiers apparently expressed their concerns "in an inappropriate manner."

Civilian and military convoys in Iraq, where more than 1000 US troops have been killed since the US-led invasion in March 2003, are frequently targets for roadside bombings and other ambushes.

The commanding general of the 13th Corps support command quickly appointed the deputy commander to lead an investigation of the allegations, and troops were questioned at their headquarters in Tallil.

"It is important to note that the mission in question was carried out using other soldiers from the unit," the military statement said.

It also said the commanding general had directed a safety-maintenance "stand-down" of the unit during which all vehicles would be thoroughly inspected and retraining conducted.

The newspaper said the convoy was going to Taji, north of Baghdad.

"I got a call from an officer in another unit early (Thursday) morning who told me that my husband and his platoon had been arrested on a bogus charge because they refused to go on a suicide mission," the newspaper quoted Jackie Butler of Jackson as saying.

"When my husband refuses to follow an order, it has to be something major," Butler, identified as the wife of Sergeant Michael Butler, a 24-year reservist said.

One soldier left a message on his mother's telephone answering machine saying that the soldiers were under arrest while the investigation was going on, according to the newspaper.

But the military denied that any soldiers had been placed under arrest.

- REUTERS

Herald Feature: Iraq