Wikileaks files: use of emoticons ‘inappropriate’

Wikileaks Latest: Creator Julian Assange today spoke out in defence of his decision to release a whole new batch of over ten thousand classified army documents, almost all containing ‘cheeky’ emoticons.

In a written statement, he said:

‘The release of these files is vital for the protection of all our freedoms. The first casualty of war is truth ;)” 

The confidential files contain thousands of combat reports, almost all of them signed off with an emoticon:

221131FEB07:

COUNTER MORTAR FIRE REPORTS AIF ENGAGED AND ENEMY SURRENDERED

In another report:

SAF ATTACK ON CAMP IN BAGHDAD 2003-12-31 18:20:00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

RED SEDAN WAS DRIVING NORTHWEST ON ROUTE _ AND ENGAGED ONE OF THE TOWER GUARDS WITH SMALL ARMS FIRE. 

 

And, perhaps most tellingly:

WHEN: ___ DEC ___WHERE: TALL’AFAR

SUMMARY: Ten soldiers were talking to one another while two other soldiers held the detainee. The detainee had his hands bound

When asked to respond, the Pentagon issued this statement:

 

For UK defence strategy shocker click here