U.S. State and Defense Department officials condemn video of U.S. service members

January 13. 2012

On January 12, a video was made public that depicts U.S. service members desecrating the bodies of dead insurgents in Afghanistan.  Both Secretary of State Clinton and Secretary of Defense Panetta condemned—in no uncertain terms—the deplorable behavior depicted in the video.  Secretary Clinton expressed dismay at the story, explaining the actions were “inconsistent with American values, with the standards of behavior we expect from our military personnel, and what the vast majority of our military personnel hold themselves to.”
 
Secretary Clinton also explained America remains committed to building a better future for Afghanistan.  She said, “The United States remains strongly committed to helping build a secure, peaceful, prosperous, democratic future for the people of Afghanistan.  We will continue to support efforts that are Afghan-led and Afghan-owned.”
 
Secretary of Defense Panetta has ordered a complete investigation into the incident and has called President Karzai.  Secretary Panetta also released the following statement: “I have seen the footage, and I find the behavior depicted in it utterly deplorable.  I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.  I have ordered the Marine Corps and ISAF Commander General John Allen to immediately and fully investigate the incident.  This conduct is entirely inappropriate for members of the United States military and does not reflect the standards or values our armed forces are sworn to uphold.  Those found to have engaged in such conduct will be held accountable to the fullest extent.”