‘Friendly Fire’ Blamed for 20 Allied Deaths

Investigations reveal that at least 20 allied soldiers died because of “friendly fire” incidents during the Persian Gulf War.

The number is expected to grow, U.S. military officials say, because many investigations are not complete.

“It won’t be massive, but there will be more,” said a senior Pentagon officer who spoke about the incidents Wednesday.

Several incidents, including one on Jan. 29 in which 11 U.S. Marines died, have been under investigation for months.

In the most detailed description yet released, the U.S. Central Command has reported that 11 Americans and nine British troops died in “friendly fire” incidents, while 15 U.S. troops and 13 British were wounded.

Four of the 11 deaths in the Jan. 29 incident remain under investigation as to whether they came from enemy or “friendly fire,” the source said.

“This is our best snapshot so far,” said Capt. Jack Fouts, a spokesman for the command in Tampa, Fla.

From the beginning of the air war on Jan. 17 until the end of the ground war on Feb. 28, the U.S. military counts 148 troops killed in action and 458 wounded.