Report: Swiss Pilatus planes used for attacks in Afghanistan
Hundreds of people died in airstrikes against Taliban targets in Afghanistan in the past.
Keystone/Muhammad Sadiq
Swiss-built Pilatus aircraft have been involved in attacks in Afghanistan, according to a joint investigation by a transnational network of journalists.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ug
Português
pt
Aviões suíços utilizados para ataques no Afeganistão
At least one PC-12 plane was used in air raids on Taliban positions in a town in eastern Afghanistan last July, according to witnesses.
The Swiss-built aircraft served as a command centre to coordinate the attacks, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper and the Dutch NGO Lighthouse Reports say.
The plane is said to be part of a fleet of 18 Pilatus aircraft sold to the United States in 2013 where they were re-fitted and later handed over to the Afghan air force.
The planes have been used to coordinate attacks by Brazilian A-29 aircraft in 2015, the report reveals.
Civilian deaths
Hundreds of people, including civilians, died in the bombardments, according to a former US army expert.
At least two Pilatus aircraft were also left behind when the US army withdrew from Afghanistan last August.
Neither the Swiss Pilatus manufacturer nor the Swiss government were willing to comment on the investigation, according to the report.
The export of Pilatus aircraft has repeatedly caused controversy over the past few years.
Critics have accused the Swiss company of violating the law, allegations rejected by the manufacturer.
The sale of war materiel to countries in conflict is banned under Swiss law, and exports are subject to approval by the economics ministry.
More
More
How do Swiss arms end up in conflict zones?
This content was published on
How have arms found their way from neutral Switzerland, a country that likes to underline its humanitarian tradition, to conflict countries?
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Abbot of Saint-Maurice steps down following sex abuse report
This content was published on
Jean Scarcella has decided to step down as Abbot of Saint-Maurice in the Swiss canton of Valais, the abbey announced on Saturday.
Philipp Matthias Bregy named new president of Centre Party
This content was published on
Valais National Councillor Philipp Matthias Bregy is the new President of the Centre Party. The delegates elected him as the successor to Gerhard Pfister on Saturday in Bern without discussion.
Global call for active neutrality launched from Geneva
This content was published on
A number of players have launched a worldwide appeal for active neutrality in Geneva at a time when the major powers are taking a tougher line. The city is competing with Vienna to attract an international congress on this issue in 2026.
This content was published on
The M'Tongé gorilla has died at Basel Zoo at the age of 26. The dominant male had to be euthanised on Friday morning owing to a parasite infection.
This content was published on
Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, has been invited to Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Swiss canton coordinates donations for landslide destroyed village
This content was published on
The Swiss canton of Valais to form committee to coordinate CHF 57.4 million donations for village destroyed by a landslide.
Body of Blatten landslide victim found and identified
This content was published on
The body of 64-year-old man, who has been missing since part of the Brich glacier collapsed on the Swiss village of Blatten has been found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Pilatus can continue to work in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
This content was published on
The Swiss aircraft manufacturer can continue its business activities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a court has confirmed.
Aircraft company banned from providing services to Saudi Arabia
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has banned the aircraft manufacturer Pilatus from operating in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pilatus allowed to resume activity in India despite corruption probe
This content was published on
The Indian government has partially lifted the ban on commercial dealings with the Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus after a freeze in July.
Swiss block sale over concern about Pakistani nuclear programme
This content was published on
Swiss government officials say they denied an export permit to a domestic manufacturer over concern about Pakistani nuclear weapons.
This content was published on
Campaigners seeking a ban on Swiss arms exports have withdrawn their initiative that aimed to stop weapons exports to countries in conflict.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.