Quran burning US troops likely to be reprimanded, not court martialed

Washington, June 20 (ANI): U.S. military investigators have recommended that as many as seven soldiers face possible administrative punishment, but no criminal charges, for their role in burning of Qurans at a NATO base in Afghanistan that sparked off deadly clashes.

A U.S. defense official said that six soldiers and one sailor could face administrative punishment that could range from letters of reprimand to reduction in pay.

Several defense officials said the investigation's results have been forwarded to the Army and Navy Secretaries, ABC News reports.

It will be up to them to determine if they will agree with the investigation's recommendations or decide if a tougher or lighter punishment is in order.

The Koran burnings, in February 2012, set off a week of riots throughout Afghanistan.

The incident was believed to have been a motivating factor in the killing of several U.S. troops by their Afghan counterparts.

After the incident, NATO instituted new training so troops in Afghanistan could learn about the proper handling of religious materials. (ANI)