A decorated US special forces soldier has been charged with an Afghan man's murder, which he reportedly admitted while applying for a job with the CIA.
US Army Green Beret Major Matthew Golsteyn allegedly shot someone he described as a suspected Taliban bomb-maker during his 2010 deployment.
Maj Golsteyn also subsequently spoke about the incident during an interview with Fox News.
He denies the charge and maintains he did not violate rules of engagement.
US Army Special Operations Command spokesman Lt Col Loren Bymer said in a statement: “Major Matthew Golsteyn's immediate commander has determined that sufficient evidence exists to warrant the preferral of charges against him.”
Maj Golsteyn's lawyer, Phil Stackhouse, told US media he would be “relentless” in defending his client from the charges, which he was notified of on Thursday.
“Major Golsteyn is a humble servant-leader who saved countless lives, both American and Afghan, and has been recognised repeatedly for his valorous actions,” Mr Stackhouse said.
He was a captain during his 2010 deployment when his heroism won him a Silver Star, the Army Times reports.
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