In a statement, the Marine Corps said it has not verified the origin or authenticity of the YouTube video. But it also said the actions portrayed are not consistent with Marine values.
If verified the video could create a strong backlash in the Muslim world and beyond for the disrespectful actions it portrays.
The case is being referred to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Navy’s worldwide law enforcement organization, said NCIS spokesman Ed Buice.
The Council on Islamic-American Relations, a prominent Muslim civil rights and advocacy group based in Washington, quickly condemned the video.
“We condemn this apparent desecration of the dead as a violation of our nation’s military regulations and of international laws of war prohibiting such disgusting and immoral actions,” the group wrote in a letter faxed to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
“If verified as authentic, the video shows behavior that is totally unbecoming of American military personnel and that could ultimately endanger other soldiers and civilians,” the letter said.
Marine Corps headquarters at the Pentagon said, “The actions portrayed are not consistent with our core values and are not indicative of the character of the Marines in our Corps. This matter will be fully investigated.”
A Marine Corps spokesman, Lt. Col. Stewart Upton, added, “Allegations of Marines not doing the right thing in regard to dead Taliban insurgents are very serious and, if proven, represent a failure to adhere to the high standards expected of American military personnel.”
A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. John Kirby, said the video is deeply troubling.
“Whoever it is, and whatever the circumstances _ which we know is under investigation _ it is egregious behavior,” Kirby said.
It is unclear who shot the video and who posted it online.
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The men had wives and children. How can Americans do this and post it to the world wide web for those families and everyone in that country to see? It is beyond understanding.
As an American citizen, I fear retaliation. What about the other marines who are vulnerable and over seas? Didn't anyone think of the position they were putting them in?
I think this is the result we can expect when leaders like Manning and Gingrich publicly announce their hatred for Muslims. As leaders, they are giving their seal of approval for acts of hatred.
I have tried to black flag one of many Islamophobic videos on Youtube. Despite the fact that Youtube says it will remove videos, they do not and no one can speak to Youtube staff. It continues to be available to any and all American citizens, spewing its vituperative language against Muslims. That is not freedom. It is hatred.