Investigative Expert Uncovers Evidence on Marine Implications in Haditha Massacre

Mon Nov 17 2025 04:45:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent investigation by BBC Eye reveals new evidence implicating US marines in the infamous Haditha massacre, where Safa Younes lost her entire family. Legal experts question the accountability measures for US armed forces.

A forensic investigation has surfaced evidence implicating two US marines in the 2005 Haditha massacre, where 24 Iraqi civilians were killed. Safa Younes, the only survivor of her family, shares her story as scrutiny is placed on the military's accountability in the aftermath of the killings.

Investigative Expert Uncovers Evidence on Marine Implications in Haditha Massacre

This is the room where my whole family was killed, reflects Safa Younes, recounting the tragic events from November 19, 2005, when US marines stormed her home in Haditha, Iraq, resulting in the deaths of her family members, leaving her as the only survivor.

New evidence provided by BBC Eye investigations, involving forensic expert insights, implicates two marines who were never tried for their actions. This evidence casts doubt on the effectiveness of the US military's internal investigation into the massacre, which left 24 Iraqi civilians dead.

The Haditha massacre, which was part of a broader incident resulting from a roadside bomb attack against US troops, led to significant scrutiny over the conduct of US forces during the Iraq war. Despite initial charges against four marines, only one faced trial, and all ultimately escaped serious repercussions.

As an adult now raising her own family in Haditha, Safa remains haunted by the memories of her family's murder and is critical of the lack of accountability for those responsible. It's been almost 20 years without them being tried. That's the real crime, she expresses, seeking justice that has long evaded her.