On the night of March 11, 2012, Staff Sergeant Robert Bales left his post in Kandahar and murdered 16 Afghan civilians, including children, in two villages — triggering one of the most brutal massacres by a U.S. soldier in modern history.
In this episode of Deadly Truths, we explore:

• Who Robert Bales was — before, during, and after

• The sequence of events in the villages of Alkozai and Balandi

• Testimonies, investigations, and the military trial that followed

• The moral, psychological, and political fallout — both in Afghanistan and at home

Trigger/Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions, discussions of combat trauma, and suicide.
If you are a veteran or active-duty service member and some of this hits too close, you are not alone — resources and help are available. 🛠️ Resources & Help for Veterans & Service Members

• Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, or chat online. Military OneSource+3veteranscrisisline.net+3Mental Health VA+3

• VA Mental Health & Suicide Prevention — confidential support, treatment, and information Veterans Affairs+2Mental Health VA+2

• Military OneSource — free support and counseling resources for active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and their families Military OneSource+1

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📚 Sources & References

• U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. Case Files: United States v. Staff Sgt. Robert Bales (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, 2012–2013).

• Department of Defense Press Release. Sentencing of Staff Sergeant Robert Bales (U.S. Army Public Affairs, August 23, 2013).

• BBC News. “US soldier Robert Bales gets life for Afghan killings.” BBC News, 23 Aug 2013.
  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-23804370

• Reuters. “US soldier sentenced to life without parole for Afghan massacre.” Reuters, 23 Aug 2013.
  https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-afghanistan-soldier-idUSBRE97M0B320130823

• The New York Times. “U.S. Soldier’s Rampage Kills 16 Afghans, Including 9 Children.” The New York Times, March 11, 2012.
  https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/12/world/asia/us-soldier-kills-afghan-civilians.html

• The Guardian. “Robert Bales: soldier guilty of Afghan killings spared death penalty.” The Guardian, 23 Aug 2013.
  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/23/robert-bales-afghanistan-killings-life-sentence

• NPR. “Soldier Who Killed 16 Afghans Apologizes at Sentencing Hearing.” NPR, August 22, 2013.
  https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/08/22/214586113/soldier-who-killed-16-afghans-apologizes-at-sentencing-hearing

• Associated Press. “Staff Sgt. Robert Bales’ rampage: What led to Afghan massacre?” AP / Military Times, March 12, 2012.
  https://www.militarytimes.com/2012/03/12/soldier-kills-16-in-afghanistan/

• CNN. “Afghan villagers recount deadly rampage by U.S. soldier.” CNN World, March 13, 2012.
  https://www.cnn.com/2012/03/13/world/asia/afghanistan-shooting-reaction

• Seattle Times. “Who is Robert Bales? Neighbors, soldiers try to understand.” Seattle Times, March 17, 2012.
  https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/who-is-robert-bales-neighbors-soldiers-try-to-understand/

• Army Times. “Bales tells jury he is sorry for killing 16 Afghans.” Army Times, August 21, 2013.
  https://www.armytimes.com/news/2013/08/ap-bales-trial-day-2-082113/

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD and Moral Injury Resources for Veterans and Families.
  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/