U.S. soldier detained for killing up to 15 Afghan civilians, officials say

By Subel Bhandari –

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — A U.S. soldier with the NATO-led coalition was detained after he killed about a dozen civilians in southern Afghanistan, officials said Sunday.

“A United States service member was detained today in connection to an incident that resulted in Afghan casualties in Kandahar province,” NATO said, without giving any other details.

An Afghan official confirmed the incident in the Panjwai district of Kandahar.

“According to our primary information, 10 to 15 Afghan civilians were killed by the U.S. soldier in the district early Sunday,” Kandahar provincial governor’s office told dpa.

“This is a deeply regrettable incident and we extend our thoughts and concerns to the families involved,” the NATO statement said.

It also said U.S. forces would investigate the incident with local authorities.

EDITOR’S NOTE: It is now being reported that 16 Afghan civilians were killed when a U.S. service member came out of his base in southern Afghanistan on Sunday and started shooting.  More information as it becomes available.