SEALs Tired of Watching Their Back says source

by Chris Carter

Exclusive to The US Report

CORONADO, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2009) A Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) student moves through the weaver during an obstacle course evolution in the first phase of training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. The Course is one of many physically strenuous exercises that are part of the seven weeks of first phase. The Navy SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land. [U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released] The US Report recently interviewed a Navy SEAL officer, who wishes to remain anonymous, on the effect the upcoming Special Courts-Martial of three SEALs has on the special warfare community. Petty Officers Matthew McCabe, Julio Huertas, and Jonathan Keefe face various charges over allegedly mishandling Ahmed Hashim Abed when they participated in the capture of the man authorities believe is a most-wanted al Qaeda leader.

Abed is the suspected mastermind of a 2004 ambush that killed four Blackwater security contractors – including a former SEAL – in Fallujah, Iraq.

Military charge sheets show allegations against the SEAL3; among them,  that McCabe is accused of punching Abed in the midsection.  Other charges include allegations that Huertas and Keefe covered up the incident.

“This prosecution will inevitably drive more quality SEALs out of the community,” TUSR's source stated. “Many enlisted SEALs are already at odds end with the leadership and rules of engagement.”

Click to read more ...

Plight of Navy SEALs 3 tangled in politics and non-disclosure

Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) and 40 other Republican congressmen are calling for all charges to be dropped against 3 Navy SEALs in a matter involving an alleged terrorist detainee in Iraq.

Commentary by Kay B. Day

Rep. Dan Burton (standing) visited the Reserve Officers Association of Indianapolis in November. Burton has led the congressional charge in efforts to clear up the charges against 3 Navy SEALs. As far as The US Report can determine, no Democrats have advocated. Burton served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves.The US Report has tracked the plight of 3 Navy SEALs facing various charges involving the detention of alleged terrorist Ahmed Hashim Abed in Iraq. Early media reports suggested the detainee had either a bruised lip or had taken a blow to the stomach while in detention. One of the only official statements from military brass can be found in a letter from Maj. General Charles T. Cleveland to Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.):

“While the assault and resulting injury to the detainee were relatively minor, the more disconcerting allegations are those related to the Sailors’ attempts to cover-up the incident, particularly in what appears to be an effort to influence the testimony of a witness. All of these allegations were fully investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).”

But based on what we know, the letter actually does little to clear up the confusion.

Click to read more ...