‘Brits not afraid to use weapons in Iraq’

LONDON – Britain’s top general yesterday dismissed reports that British soldiers in Iraq are afraid to use their weapons in case they are prosecuted for accidentally hurting or killing civilians.

A British soldier appeared in court in London last week charged with murdering a civilian in Iraq, and the army has launched 131 inquiries into deaths and injuries of Iraqis in incidents ranging from combat to detentions and road accidents. Seven cases cover detainees who died in custody.General Sir Mike Jackson, chief of defence staff, dismissed news reports that soldiers were afraid to use their guns.”There has been quite a spike of activity in the last month due to the situation in Najaf,” Jackson told BBC Radio from Iraq, where he is visiting troops.”I can assure you that British soldiers have been using their weapons within the rules of engagement without any such fear whatsoever,” he added.Kevin Williams, 21, was charged last week with murdering an Iraqi in August last year, the first British soldier to face a murder indictment in connection with the presence of British troops in Iraq.Britain has announced military trials for four soldiers accused of sexual abuse of detainees and one for the non-fatal shooting of an Iraqi boy.Iraqis who claim they or their relatives were abused by British troops have also launched a civil case in the high court.Jackson said the Army would pursue any claims that soldiers had acted unlawfully.- Nampa-ReutersSeven cases cover detainees who died in custody.General Sir Mike Jackson, chief of defence staff, dismissed news reports that soldiers were afraid to use their guns.”There has been quite a spike of activity in the last month due to the situation in Najaf,” Jackson told BBC Radio from Iraq, where he is visiting troops.”I can assure you that British soldiers have been using their weapons within the rules of engagement without any such fear whatsoever,” he added.Kevin Williams, 21, was charged last week with murdering an Iraqi in August last year, the first British soldier to face a murder indictment in connection with the presence of British troops in Iraq.Britain has announced military trials for four soldiers accused of sexual abuse of detainees and one for the non-fatal shooting of an Iraqi boy.Iraqis who claim they or their relatives were abused by British troops have also launched a civil case in the high court.Jackson said the Army would pursue any claims that soldiers had acted unlawfully.- Nampa-Reuters