Name: Physical beatings

Source: No military or Pentagon document authorizes this tactic.

Description: In a number of cases, U.S. personnel have beaten captives during interrogation until they were seriously injured, or in some cases, died. Confirmed homicide victims include Mullah Habibullah and Dilawar, who were hung from the ceiling and beaten at Bagram Airforce Base. Detainees have also been beaten outside the interrogation context. One incident occurred in November 2003, when five former Iraqi generals suspected of inciting a prison riot at Abu Ghraib were shackled, blindfolded, and beaten by MPs "until they were covered with blood."

Physical, Psychological, or Other Effects: Several physical abuse has resulted in soft-tissue damage, orthopedic injuries, neurological damage, and death.

Locations Used: Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan

Legal Opinion: This tactic is illegal, regardless of the circumstances. FM 34-52 lists "any form of beating" as a type of physical torture. Abuse allegations have resulted in criminal charges, for example against several members of an elite U.S. Navy SEAL team who were charged with assault and manslaughter in connection with the beating death of a detainee in Iraq. CIA contractor Passaro faces similar charges in connection with a death in Afghanistan.