US and Nato commander apologizes for Médecins Sans Frontières bombing

General John W Nicholson meets family members of victims in Kunduz and apologized for the US attack last year that killed 42 people and wounded 37

The new commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan has apologized for the American attack on a hospital last year that killed 42 people and wounded 37 more.

General John W Nicholson met family members of victims and the staff of the now-closed Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Kunduz, which was captured by Taliban insurgents for several days last year, to express his condolences.

“As commander, I wanted to come to Kunduz personally and stand before the families, and people of Kunduz, to deeply apologize for the events” that led to the bombing, Nicholson said.

“I grieve with you for your loss and suffering; and humbly and respectfully ask for your forgiveness,” added Nicholson.

A US investigation found that the 3 October air strike was a “tragic and avoidable” incident, primarily caused by human error. The US military has disciplined more than a dozen personnel, including officers following the strike. - Read More

US and Nato commander apologizes for Médecins Sans Frontières bombing