ICC investigating Afghan war crime claims

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo says the tribunal is investigating allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan.

Moreno-Ocampo said the ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan could result in members of NATO forces facing prosecution, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The International Criminal Court, which is based in the Netherlands, can only force suspected offenders to face trial if a national court chooses not to pursue related cases.

An unidentified U.S. official responded to Ocampo's comments by maintaining U.S. troops in Afghanistan take steps to ensure the safety of civilians during their clashes with the Taliban.

"We have not seen (Mr. Ocampo's) comments, but I can assure you that allied forces are operating under very difficult circumstances and are doing everything they can to avoid hurting civilians," the official said. "It is the Taliban that have been intentionally killing people, maiming them, taking them hostage, executing them."

Ocampo said the Taliban are also being targeted by ICC investigators, the Journal reported.