A US military investigation into the death of an Italian intelligence officer in Baghdad is expected to conclude the US soldiers followed instructions as they fired on his car.
But the inquiry into the shooting last month is expected to raise questions about the rules of engagement given to US soldiers manning checkpoints in Iraq, said a US official.
These instructions include descriptions of how much force US soldiers are allowed to use against potential threats.
The Italian officer, Nicola Calipari, was killed on March 4th when US soldiers fired on a car carrying him and two others as it approached the checkpoint. He died trying to shield a freed Italian hostage, journalist Giuliana Sgrena, he had helped release from her insurgent captors.
Another Italian agent in the car, as well as Ms Sgrena, have insisted that the car wasn't speeding and that the soldiers gave no warning. Washington has insisted the Italians' rented Toyota Corolla was going too fast and that adequate warning was given to try to make the car stop.
The US official left open whether the soldiers involved in the shooting would face some criticism for their performance. A conclusion that they followed their orders, however, could make it less likely they would be accused of having committed major errors.
While Italian officials participated in the US investigation, it is unclear whether the Italians would endorse the report, the official said.
Italian news reports said they disagreed with the US findings.
AP