Lynch Calls for Hearing on Increase in “Green-on-Blue” Attacks in Afghanistan, Safety of U.S. Troops

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch has called for hearings into the alarming increase of attacks on U.S. service members and coalition troops by Afghan security forces. A member of the Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense and Foreign Operations, Lynch has visited Afghanistan frequently as part of his oversight duties.

‪In a letter to Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, Lynch expressed serious concern over the so-called “Green on Blue” attacks and requested the Oversight and Government Reform Committee to hold hearings to investigate the rise in these incidents. In 2012 alone, 40 coalition members, including ten Americans, have been killed by Afghan security forces.
‪
“These attacks threaten to jeopardize our ability to cooperate effectively with Afghan forces and may delay our ability to transition to Afghan-led security operations by the 2014 NATO deadline,” Lynch wrote.

‪The full text of the letter is below:

August 24, 2012


The Honorable Darrell E. Issa                             The Honorable Elijah Cummings
Chairman                                                                     Ranking Member
Committee on Oversight and                                      Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform                                                   Government Reform
2157 Rayburn House Office Building                        2471 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515                                              Washington, DC 20515


Dear Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings:

I am writing to respectfully request that the Oversight and Government Reform Committee convene a hearing to investigate the alarming increase in so-called “Green-on-Blue” attacks in Afghanistan and the potential exposure to remaining U.S. forces during the current withdrawal timetable which ends in 2014.

As you know, this year has seen an extremely disturbing rise in the incidences of Afghan security forces turning on coalition forces, with 40 members, including 10 Americans, killed so far in 2012.  These attacks threaten to jeopardize our ability to cooperate effectively with Afghan forces and may delay our ability to transition to Afghan-led security operations by the 2014 NATO deadline.

Throughout the United States’ involvement in operations in Afghanistan, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has worked actively to ensure that U.S. forces have the resources necessary to succeed in their mission while requiring that U.S. funds are being spent transparently and effectively.  This development requires that we do no less.

In the interest of a full and productive hearing, a range of witnesses representing the perspectives of the Department of Defense, including Central Command, Department of State, the Afghan Government, ISAF and NATO would be helpful.  I am sure that our capable Committee staff could also add to that list.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request.


Sincerely,


Stephen F. Lynch
Member of Congress


Cc: The Honorable Jason Chaffetz
The Honorable John Tierney