WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama called Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Sunday "to express his shock and sadness" over a shooting in Afghanistan which a US soldier allegedly killed 16 civilians, the White House said.
In the phone call, Obama "extended his condolences to the people of Afghanistan, and made clear his administration's commitment to establish the facts as quickly as possible and to hold fully accountable anyone responsible," the White House said.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta assured Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a phone call that a "full investigation" was under way after a US soldier allegedly killed 16 civilians in Afghanistan.
"A suspect is in custody, and I gave President Karzai my assurances that we will bring those responsible to justice," Panetta said, adding that he is "shocked and saddened that a US service member... clearly acting outside his chain of command" has been linked to the incident.
The shooting spree erupted early Sunday when a US soldier walked out of his base in southern Kandahar province and opened fire on men, women and children in a rampage that has raised new questions about the long-term viability of the US mission
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