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/
