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The Scottish Sunday - Scotland's award-winning independent newspaper

Haditha: the worst US atrocity since Vietnam … Iraqi women and children massacred by American marines. How did it happen?

CIVILIANS who spent time at the Haditha Dam base of the Third Battalion of the First Marines describe the place as something out of Apocalypse Now or Lord Of The Flies. It was "feral" one said. Soldiers didn't wash. They had abandoned regulation billets and had built make-shift, primitive huts bearing skull-and-crossbone signs. The place stank. One American civilian engineer attached to the camp, with the task of keeping the huge hydro-electric dam nearby operating, said he was terrified of the soldiers he had to live alongside.

Massacre in Haditha

Kilo Company was part of the Third Battalion. At 7.15am on November 19 last year, as a column of Kilo Company Humvees drove down the Hay al-Sinnai Road in Haditha, a bomb exploded under the last vehicle - the "tail-end charlie" - killing the driver, 20-year-old Lance Corporal Miguel Terrazas.

What happened next will go down in US military history as the worst deliberate atrocity carried out against unarmed civilians by American forces since the notorious massacre at My Lai in Vietnam when GIs killed around 500 people - mainly women, children, and the elderly.

Minutes after Terrazas died, the remaining 13-strong unit of marines went on a bloody rampage, wiping out whole families, killing women, children, and an elderly man in a wheelchair, and hurling grenades into homes. In all, 24 Iraqi civilians were murdered by American troops. The killings are already having a corrosive effect on US society, war-weary from scandals such as the torture of detainees at Abu Ghraib and the ever-mounting death toll of American troops. US government sources say some of the marines involved will be put on trial and could face the death penalty for their crimes.

The Aftermath and Investigation

The men of Kilo Company have been involved in some of the worst horrors of the Iraq war, including the assault on Fallujah and hand-to-hand fighting. Many of the marines in Kilo Company were on their second tour of duty in Iraq at the time of the massacre in Haditha.

As soon as the shooting stopped, the marines started to lie and cover up the truth about the Haditha killings. The faked-up version of events went something like this: as a taxi drove up Hay al-Sinnai Road towards the Humvee column, the marines waved to it to stop. When the Humvees and the taxi came to a halt, a bomb detonated, indicating, the marines claimed, that the taxi was either meant to lure the Humvees over the bomb or that someone in the taxi detonated the bomb. The marines claimed they immediately came under fire from nearby houses once the bomb exploded.

Investigations by the military, accounts by survivors, and reports by human rights organizations and medics have proved that this version of events contains barely a grain of truth.

The Impact and Consequences

Families were torn apart by the brutal massacre and the cover-up attempts by the marines only added to the pain and outrage. The incident has had a devastating effect on the relationship between the Iraqi people and the American troops, further fueling anti-American sentiment and distrust.

The Haditha massacre has also exposed the dark underbelly of the Iraq war, shining a light on the violence and atrocities committed by US forces against innocent civilians. It has further eroded public trust in the military and created a lasting stain on the reputation of the United States.

Hotels and Accommodations: Providing Comfort and Hospitality

While the focus of this article has been on the tragic events in Haditha, it's important to remember that there are also many positive aspects of life, such as the hospitality industry. Hotels play a vital role in providing comfort and accommodations for travelers around the world. Whether it's for business or leisure, hotels are an essential part of the travel experience.

The Importance of Quality Accommodations

When visiting a foreign country or even exploring one's own homeland, finding a reliable and comfortable place to stay is crucial. Hotels offer a range of amenities and services, from cozy rooms to delicious dining options, ensuring that guests feel welcome and well-cared for during their stay.

Catering to Diverse Needs

Hotels come in various sizes and styles, catering to different budgets and preferences. From luxurious five-star resorts to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone. Hotels also strive to accommodate the specific needs of their guests, offering accessible rooms for people with disabilities, pet-friendly accommodations, and special amenities for families.

Creating Memorable Experiences

A stay at a hotel can often be the highlight of a trip, with exceptional service and memorable experiences leaving a lasting impression. From concierge services that help plan activities and sightseeing to unique amenities like rooftop pools and spa treatments, hotels aim to provide an unforgettable stay for their guests.

In conclusion, while the events in Haditha serve as a stark reminder of the atrocities that can occur in war, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of life, such as the hospitality industry. Hotels play a crucial role in providing comfort, care, and memorable experiences for travelers worldwide.

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