KABUL, Afghanistan (MCT) — A U.S. soldier killed 16 Afghan civilians on Sunday, including three women and nine children, in an unprovoked attack in southern Kandahar province, Afghan officials said.
Five other people were wounded in the shooting at Belandi-Pul village of the Panjway district when the soldier entered homes and opened fire, according to a statement from President Hamid Karzai’s office.
“This intentional killing and terror is an unforgivable act,” Karzai said.
The attack threatens to further worsen relations between the U.S.-led coalition and Afghans, already badly strained by the recent burning of Korans and other religious material by U.S. military personnel.
President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called Karzai to offer their condolences and assure him that those responsible will be held accountable.
“I am deeply saddened by the reported killing and wounding of Afghan civilians,” Obama said in a written statement.
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