383 / 494
382
(iv)
The decision related to the evacuation of residents in buses on the
evening of 23 May.
FINDING
11.70
This seemed to have been a joint decision of CDS Saunders
and CoP Ellington. It was a good decision but was implemented too
late to be of any usefulness as we have found in Chapter 7.
(v)
The decision to fire mortars during the operation.
FINDING
11.71
This was a bad decision for the reasons given in Chapter
10.
(vi)
The decision to use other explosive devices.
Explosives such as shaped charges, were used to breach walls and create a
pathway for troops. On behalf of the JDF, it was represented to us that this
tactic may have saved the lives of soldiers.
FINDING
11.72
Given the nature and extent of the fortification of Tivoli
Gardens, we do not believe that this was an unreasonable decision.
We received no credible evidence that these types of explosives caused
personal injuries or damage to private property.