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World News: Video Proof of Downed Plane In CIA 'Cover-Up'

Footage has emerged of a CIA anti-smuggling operation in Peru that ended in the deaths of an American mother and her baby.

The video, shown on ABC News in the US, was shot from a CIA surveillance plane on April 20, 2001.

It shows Peruvian air force pilots opening fire on the family's plane - even as its pilot screamed for help.

The sea-plane was misidentified as belonging to drug traffickers - but was actually taking the Bowers family back to their river boat where they were working as missionaries.

The CIA agents covertly following the plane watched as it was shot down by Peruvian military aircraft, killing Veronica Bowers and her seven-month-old daughter Charity and badly injuring the pilot Kevin Donaldson.

Left:Plane being recovered after the incident

The American agents' uncertainty and nervousness at what to do can clearly be heard on the tape as they discuss with the fighter pilot whether to move to 'phase three' - shooting down the plane.

"That is b*******. I think we're making a mistake," one said.

"I agree with you," the other operative replied.

On Wednesday, the CIA said its nine-year long investigation into the tragedy had determined that 16 employees should be disciplined, including the woman then in charge of counter-narcotics.

A CIA spokesperson said: "The programme to deny drug traffickers an "air bridge" ended in 2001 and was run by a foreign government, CIA personnel had no authority either to direct or prohibit actions by that government.

"CIA officers did not shoot down any airplane."

Left:The Bowers family












Senator Pete Hoekstra, who has campaigned for the Bowers family, said: "The [intelligence] community's performance in terms of accountability has been unacceptable.

"These were Americans that were killed with the help of their government, the community covered it up, they delayed investigating."