The new commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan apologised Tuesday to the victims of a devastating bombing raid on a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital last October which left 42 people dead. General John Nicholson's apology comes after US officials last week said military personnel involved in the strike in northern Kunduz city had been disciplined but face no criminal charges, prompting a strong rebuke from rights campaigners.
Nicholson on Tuesday met family members of victims and the staff of the now-shut MSF trauma centre during his first visit to Kunduz since assuming command of the Nato mission in Afghanistan last month. "As commander, I wanted to come to Kunduz personally and stand before the families, and... to deeply apologise for the events which destroyed the hospital and caused the deaths of staff, patients and family members," he said, according to a transcript released by Nato. "I grieve with you for your loss and suffering; and humbly and respectfully ask for your forgiveness."