Operations involving special forces that have unfortunately resulted in the loss of civilian lives have led to the issuance of rules that are meant to “rein in” special forces. This was given by the commander of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, according to an article on The Times.

Gen. McChrystal reportedly told the New York Times: “You got one hand doing one thing and one hand doing the other, both trying to do the right thing but working without a good outcome.” As a result, most of the unconventional forces and regular troops have been placed under unified command. This will provide the Commander “absolute control over missions that might claim civilian lives,” according to The Times.

However, there will still be certain military units that fall outside of this unified command. Among these are the special forces task force who are dealing with detainees who are being held at Bagram. Also reportedly excluded from being under the unified command are the Delta Force and the Navy SEALs.

This should not be taken to mean, though, that they are operating outside the Commander’s control. The Times shares: “The Pentagon said that small numbers of special operations units were exempted from the directive but an official said that even though their line of command was different, General McChrystal remained in the loop for all operations.”

Despite the fact that General McChrystal and his focus on the protection of the population has reduced the number of civilian casualties, some of the worst incidents involving civilians are reportedly being blamed on operations involving special forces operatives.