US Service Member Kills Atleast 16 Afghan Civilians

Afghan officials and witnesses say a U.S. service member walked off his base and shot and killed at least 16 Afghan civilians in Kandahar province Sunday.

The shooting is the latest in a string of incidents to further strain Washington and Kabul's already tense relationship. Afghan President Hamid Karzai called Sunday's shooting unforgivable. He demanded an explanation from the United States for what he called "intentional killings." Karzai said in a statement that nine of the victims were children and three – women.

The U.S. commander of the NATO-led forces in Afghanistan called the incident "deeply appalling." In a statement, General John Allen offered his "profound regret" and "deepest condolences" to the victims and their families. He said "a rapid and thorough" investigation will be carried out and said the service member will be held "fully accountable."

Acting U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan James Cunningham expressed the United States' condolences to the victims' families in a video statement Sunday.

Cunningham says the U.S. "deplores" any such act by U.S. forces against innocent civilians, and ensured the service member will be brought to justice.

Article from Infowars.