Feds drop false statement charges against two Navy SEALS

I have written extensively about the three Navy SEALS facing courts martial for their behavior during the capture of a terrorist suspect in Anbar province in Iraq, most recently here.  Today, Fox News is reporting that some charges have been dropped against two of these brave men:

The government has dropped false statement charges against two Navy SEALs accused of mistreating an Iraqi detainee, but more charges remain for the team that captured and reportedly punched an alleged terrorist leader.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Keefe of Yorktown, Va., and Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas of Blue Island, Ill., are still charged with dereliction of duty for their role in the capture of Ahmed Hashim Abed -- a terror suspect who the military says masterminded the killing, burning and lynching of contractors for the company formerly known as Blackwater.

Four security contractors were killed and the mutilated bodies of two -- including a former Navy SEAL -- were hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River.

Keefe and Huertas allegedly failed to protect Abed as he was brought into custody and left with a bloody lip. Huertas also is charged with impeding an investigation.

Their trials are set for later this month in Iraq, though another trial stemming from the case will be held stateside.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe of Perrysburg, Ohio, is charged with punching Abed, dereliction of duty and lying to investigators. His trial is set for May 3 in Norfolk.

Navy spokesman Lt. Arlo Abrahamson said depositions were taken Tuesday from several defense witnesses who have been granted immunity.

I savor good news wherever I can find it, and this is good news.