November 17, 2025
BBC investigation finds new evidence 20 years after massacre that saw only one Marine serve any jail time
A BBC Eye investigation released Nov. 17, 2025 uncovered evidence implicating two U.S. Marines never prosecuted in the Nov. 19, 2005 Haditha massacre that killed 24 Iraqi civilians including 4 women and 6 children. Marines entered three homes killing nearly everyone, plus a driver and 4 students in a car. Survivor Safa Younes, 13 at the time, lost 5 siblings, her mother, aunt, and father.
Only one Marine was convicted: Staff Sgt Frank Wuterich found guilty of negligent dereliction in 2012, served no jail time.
A BBC Eye investigation released Nov. 17, 2025 uncovered evidence implicating two U.S. Marines who were never prosecuted in the Haditha massacre. On Nov. 19, 2005, Marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians including 4 women and 6 children in Haditha, Iraq.
Safa Younes was 13 years old when Marines entered her family's home. She is the only person in her family who survived. The Marines killed her 5 siblings, her mother, her aunt, and her father.
Only one Marine was convicted. Staff Sgt Frank Wuterich was found guilty of negligent dereliction of duty in 2012. He served no jail time. Eight Marines were originally charged but charges against seven were dropped.
The massacre occurred after a roadside bomb killed one Marine. Marines then went house to house killing civilians. Initial U.S. military reports claimed the civilians died from the roadside bomb or in crossfire with insurgents.
Survivor of Haditha massacre
Former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant
civic action
Contact International Criminal Court about U.S. war crimes accountability
Demand investigation of credible allegations when domestic accountability fails.
Subject: Communication Regarding Haditha Massacre Investigation - Request for ICC Review
Dear Office of the Prosecutor,
I am submitting information regarding the Nov. 19, 2005 Haditha massacre that killed 24 Iraqi civilians, including 4 women and 6 children.
Key facts:
Impact: When domestic accountability fails for credible war crimes allegations, international mechanisms must step in to ensure justice. The victims and their families deserve accountability for these serious crimes.
My request: I request that the Office of the Prosecutor investigate these credible allegations of war crimes. The BBC investigation provides new evidence that was not addressed in domestic proceedings.
You can submit this communication online at otplink.icc-cpi.int or by email to otp.informationdesk@icc-cpi.int.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name]