Pentagon Silence on Deadly Iranian School Attack Fueled Criticism
Five former US officials have criticized the Pentagon for its lack of transparency regarding a deadly strike on an Iranian school in February. The incident resulted in the deaths of 168 people, including around 110 children. Despite numerous requests for information, the Pentagon has only acknowledged that the incident is under investigation.
The delay in releasing details is unusual, with some officials saying it departed from standard procedures. In previous cases where civilians were killed during US military operations, more information was released by the Pentagon within a month. Former top military lawyer and retired Judge Advocate General Lt Col Rachel E VanLandingham stated that administrations have traditionally shown fidelity to the law of war.
Former defence official Wes Bryant attributed the lack of transparency to the complexity of the situation being downplayed. “This is a case where… it’s unusually opaque,” he said. The Pentagon has declined to comment on reports that an initial military probe found the US hit the school, and it has also refused to answer questions about whether the Iranian military base next to the school was one of its pre-planned targets.
The incident occurred during the opening salvos of the US-Israeli war on February 28. US media reported in early March that US military investigators believed American forces were likely responsible for hitting the school unintentionally, but had not reached a final conclusion. The BBC has reviewed three historical cases where civilians were killed during US military operations and found that more information was released by the Pentagon within less than a month.
The lack of transparency has fueled criticism from former defence officials, who say it undermines accountability and the commitment to the law of war. The incident highlights the need for clear communication from the Pentagon regarding its actions and any potential involvement in civilian casualties.
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