US investigating allegations “small number” of US soldiers responsible for civilian deaths

US investigating Afghan civilian deaths

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. military is investigating allegations that a “small number” of U.S. soldiers were responsible for the unlawful deaths of as many as three Afghan civilians.

A U.S. statement Thursday said the allegations also included illegal drug use, assault and conspiracy. No charges have been filed but one soldier has been placed in pre-trial confinement.

The Army’s Criminal Investigation Command began the investigation after receiving credible information from the soldiers’ unit earlier this month.