UN Chief Ban Ki-moon called for the punishment of “those involved” in the massacre committed by a US soldier who killed and burned at least 16 Afghan civilians.

UN Chief Ban Ki-moon called for the punishment of “those involved” in the massacre committed by a US soldier who killed and burned at least 16 Afghan civilians.

"We expect that an investigation will rapidly establish the facts and that those responsible will be held accountable," Reuters quoted Ban as saying in a statement on Tuesday.

"We will continue to urge all authorities and military personnel, who are engaging in these operations to pay extreme and utmost care to protect the civilian population," he added.

On Sunday a US soldier walked out of his base, and opened fire on civilians in a village in the province of Kandahar. After he killed them, the soldier burned the corpses.

For his part, US President Barack Obama promised a thorough investigation into the incident.
“The US takes this as seriously as if it were our own citizens and our children, who were killed," the DPA quoted Obama as saying on Tuesday.

"We will follow the facts where ever they lead us," Obama said, adding, "Anyone involved will be held fully accountable with the full force of the law."