U.S. To Court Martial Soldiers For Alleged Afghan Abuse

(RFE/RL) 17 November 2005 -- The U.S. military announced today it will prosecute two of its soldiers for allegedly beating two detainees at a military base in Afghanistan.

The alleged assaults occurred in southern Uruzgan Province in early July. The charges against the two soldiers, identified as Kevin Myricks and James Hayes, include conspiracy to maltreat, assault, and dereliction of duty.

The U.S. military, in a statement, said the detainees' injuries were not serious and did not require medical attention. But it said it was determined to prosecute any abuses.

The two soldiers, if found guilty, could face prison terms.

(AP)