In the Dark: Episode 4 - "What They Saw"

Released August 13, 2024 by The New Yorker

Introduction

"In the Dark," an award-winning investigative journalism podcast hosted by Madeleine Barron, delves deep into complex and haunting narratives. In Episode 4, titled "What They Saw," Barron explores the tragic events of November 19, 2005, in Haditha, Iraq, where U.S. Marines killed 24 civilians. This episode not only recounts the events but also examines the subsequent military investigation and the enduring impact on the survivors seeking justice.

Background: The Haditha Massacre

The episode opens with a chilling account from Marine Corps veteran Greg Watt, who recounts the morning of November 19, 2005:

Greg Watt (00:24): "In the morning of the 19th of November, 2005, American soldiers had executed three families. And they come back. Yeah, there was about 24 bodies in the back of the vehicles. And I'm like, holy fuck, man."

Barron sets the stage by contrasting initial perceptions with the harrowing reality faced by the civilians. She emphasizes the nature of the killings—predominantly gunshots to the head or chest.

Madeline Barron (00:39): "None of this was near as bad as it seemed. I'm talking about what actually happened to the civilians. What he noticed was gunshots. Most of them. A gunshot in the head or in the chest."

The Six Marines Involved

Barron introduces the six Marines implicated in the shootings, providing personal backgrounds to humanize each individual:

1. Sergeant Frank Woodrich (00:56):

   • From Connecticut.
   • Former honor roll student and theater enthusiast.
   • Joined the Marines at 17 for prestige.
   • Described as a good, level-headed, and reserved squad leader.

   Namak Khoshnau (02:15): "Like, he was quiet, but a good dude."

2. Corporal Hector Salinas (02:15):

   • Woodrich's right-hand man.
   • Experienced and unyielding.

3. Private First Class Umberto Mendoza (02:38):

   • One of the most junior members.
   • Quiet and compliant.

   Namak Khoshnau (02:43): "Yeah, never gave us a hard time. He did what I was told."

4. Corporal Sonic Delacruz (02:47):

   • Third deployment to Iraq.
   • Passionate about the Marine Corps, intensely committed.

5. Lance Corporal Justin Sherritt (03:20):

   • Veteran of the Battle of Fallujah.
   • Known for his playful nature and love for pop-punk music.

6. Lance Corporal Steven Tatum (04:04):

   • Tall and lanky from Oklahoma.
   • Another Fallujah veteran.
   • Surprisingly, few remembered him, despite his significant role in the killings.

Barron highlights the stark differences among the Marines, illustrating how their personalities and backgrounds converged on that tragic day.

The Day of the Massacre and Initial Aftermath

On November 19, 2005, the Marines responded to an IED explosion that killed one of their own, Lance Corporal Miguel Terrazas. The squad then engaged civilians, deeming them as enemy combatants. The killings ostensibly aimed to retaliate against an ambush, but the nature and manner raised substantial ethical and legal questions.

Barron recounts the Marines' return to base, where they were met with somber reflections rather than scrutiny. Captain Lucas McConnell reassured the squad, emphasizing their righteousness, while significant details about the victims were overlooked.

The Investigation: Colonel Gregory Watt's Role

Three months post-massacre, Colonel Gregory Watt arrived in Haditha to lead the military's first investigation, prompted by disturbing video evidence captured by Khalid Salman Rasif. Watt's attempts to engage with the Marines were met with resistance and disinterest:

Greg Watt (09:07): "I'm not a fan of the New Yorker or investigative journalism, so I'm probably really not interested in your project."

Barron details her challenging journey to secure an interview with Watt, ultimately receiving a lukewarm and dismissive response. Watt conveyed skepticism about the value of investigative journalism in addressing the atrocity:

Greg Watt (10:40): "This is pretty hurtful in the first place. Lots of people's careers were destroyed as a result of this."

Watt's stance suggested a resignation to the status quo, minimizing the significance of the massacre's enduring impact on survivors.

Marine Statements vs. Survivor Testimonies

Watt's investigation primarily relied on the Marines' accounts, which portrayed the events as a chaotic and justified response to enemy combatants. These statements lacked detail and consistency, offering little insight into the targeting of non-combatants.

Barron reveals that Watt recommended further criminal investigations and additional training for the Marines but largely accepted their narratives without exhaustive scrutiny.

In contrast, survivor testimonies present a starkly different picture. Abdul Rahman Walid and Safa Yunus, two survivors who were children during the massacre, provide harrowing accounts that contradict the Marines' version of events.

Attempting to Interview Survivors: The Journey with Namak Khoshnau

Understanding the importance of survivor perspectives, Barron collaborates with Namak Khoshnau, a BBC documentary filmmaker with personal ties to Kurdish experiences in Iraq. Their mission: to uncover and narrate the true stories of those who witnessed the atrocities.

The journey to Haditha was fraught with danger and logistical challenges:

Namak Khoshnau (28:00): "We have just arrived in Baghdad airport. It's quarter to nine local time."

Navigating through war-torn regions, they faced numerous checkpoints and security threats, culminating in their eventual arrival in Haditha after an arduous eight-hour drive.

Survivor Accounts: Abdul Rahman and Safa

Abdul Rahman Walid and Safa Yunus emerge as central figures in the quest for truth and justice. Their testimonies reveal the brutal reality of the massacre:

Abdul Rahman Walid (Timestamp References: 35:54 - 43:44)

• Background:

  • At six years old during the massacre, Abdul Rahman lost his entire immediate family, including parents and siblings.
  • Now 25, he studies computer engineering in college.
  • Raised by uncles, he harbors minimal memories of his parents.

• Testimony:

  • Describes the IED explosion that killed Lance Corporal Terrazas.

  • Recounts the Marines' aggressive entrance into his house, targeting civilians without discernible combatant activity.

    Abdul Rahman (39:37): "He said. I was crying."

  • Details the gruesome deaths of his family members, including his father, grandmother, and siblings.

  • Recalls the relentless gunfire and the use of a grenade by Marines, leading to unending fear and loss.

    Abdul Rahman (43:40): "Like I didn't feel it at that time. She was really hot."

Safa Yunus (Timestamp References: 34:40 - 48:36)

• Background:

  • Eleven years old during the massacre, Safa lost her entire family—parents, siblings, and aunt.
  • Now 30, she has built a life post-tragedy, including marriage and a new family.

• Testimony:

  • Describes the IED explosion and the immediate aftermath, where Marines entered her home wielding guns and grenades.

  • Recounts the chaos, the futile attempt to escape, and the merciless killing of her family members.

  • Highlights the psychological trauma and the urgent need for justice.

    Safa (36:33): "From PRX."

Discrepancies and Unanswered Questions

The survivors' accounts starkly contrast with the Marines' statements to Colonel Watt, raising serious questions about accountability and truth within military investigations. The lack of consistent and thorough examination by Watt suggests a systemic failure to address war crimes adequately.

Barron emphasizes the importance of these testimonies in challenging the official narratives and advocating for justice for the victims.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Quest for Truth

Episode 4 of "In the Dark" underscores the complexities of war, the fragility of memory, and the enduring quest for justice. Through meticulous investigation and personal narratives, Barron brings to light the forgotten stories of Haditha, amplifying the voices of survivors who continue to seek answers and accountability.

Madeline Barron (43:44): "She touched the towel, tried to wrap it around her brother's wounds. She told him, be quiet. They'll come back and kill us."

The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the imperative for transparent and honest journalism in unveiling truths long buried by official accounts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg Watt (00:24): "In the morning of the 19th of November, 2005, American soldiers had executed three families. And they come back. Yeah, there was about 24 bodies in the back of the vehicles. And I'm like, holy fuck, man."

• Namak Khoshnau (02:15): "Like, he was quiet, but a good dude."

• Greg Watt (10:40): "This is pretty hurtful in the first place. Lots of people's careers were destroyed as a result of this."

• Abdul Rahman Walid (35:54): "She said like a normal life is full of happiness, full of love."

• Safa Yunus (36:33): "From PRX."

Final Thoughts

"In the Dark: What They Saw" is a compelling episode that meticulously reconstructs the events of the Haditha massacre while highlighting the deep-seated issues within military investigations and the profound impact on survivors. Through dedicated storytelling and investigative prowess, Madeleine Barron ensures that these critical narratives are neither forgotten nor silenced.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of this tragic event and the ongoing struggle for justice, this episode serves as an essential listen.