A survivor of the failed U.S. drone strike that claimed the lives of 10 of his family members has spoken out.
This survivor stated the apology from the White House is not enough; he also asks that those who launched the attack be punished by the U.S. government.
Emal Ahmadi asks for financial compensation and relocation
On Saturday, Emal Ahmadi (whose 3-year-old daughter was among those killed in the August 29 drone strike) asked for financial aid. He also seeks relocation either to the U.S. or another country that is deemed safe.
The U.S. missile attack struck the car of Ahmadi’s brother, Zemerai, while he was parking into the driveway and as children ran to welcome him.
Relatives of the victims of a US drone strike that wiped out 10 members of an Afghan family in a "tragic mistake" told AFP Saturday they want a face-to-face apology and compensation https://t.co/nNpgcq5Eek pic.twitter.com/EjHT2tXGbU
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 18, 2021
As a result of the attack in the family compound, ten innocent lives were taken, including three innocent brothers of Ahmadi and seven young children.
It was 19 days after the attack before the head of the Central Command, General Frank McKenzie, called the drone strike a “tragic mistake”, acknowledging it indeed claimed the lives of civilians.
Emal Ahmadi also stated he wanted the U.S. government to investigate who launched the drone and give punishment to those who were responsible for the attack.
He then claimed saying sorry is not enough for them, especially after hearing from friends in America that the U.S. government apologized. He added that the U.S. government should instead look for the person who did this to his family.
However, Ahmadi noted he is somehow relieved the US acknowledged they killed innocent lives and offered an apology to his family members.
However, this will not bring their loved ones back. Ahmadi added their family never even received a call from the officials of the United States, despite multiple requests.
Ahmadi’s family was working for a U.S.-based organization, trying to gain visas to leave Afghanistan
Ahmadi was interviewed sitting in front of the charred ruins of the car of his brother, looking exhausted, as he sought compensation and relocation.
Family members of Afghans killed by a U.S. drone strike say “sorry” is not enough, after the U.S. apologized and called the attack a “tragic mistake.” pic.twitter.com/TEjEYhqs4P
— AJ+ (@ajplus) September 19, 2021
According to the accounts of the family members (days before the Pentagon apologized for the failed mission), documents and the scene at the family compound are in contrast with the claims of the U.S. military.
Instead, they depicted a picture of an Afghan family that worked for the United States. This family is trying to get a visa to go to America to leave the war-torn country, fearing for their lives in Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban.
According to Ahmadi, the slain brother was the breadwinner of the family and looking after his three other brothers and their children.
Emal Ahmadi added that now, he’s the one responsible for all of his family members and he does not even have a job. The current situation for them is not good, he added.
