Taliban vows to avenge deaths of 16 Afghan civilians in Kandahar

Kabul, Mar 12(ANI): The Taliban has vowed to avenge the death of 16 Afghan civilians, who were killed in a house-to-house shooting spree in Panjwayi district, Kandahar by an American soldier.

The attack took place in two villages in Panjwai district, a rural region outside Kandahar on March 11.

Villagers close to the site of the incident reported that Taliban insurgents were speaking in local mosques and inciting residents to protest against the American forces.

The Taliban also issued a statement assuring the families of those killed that it would "take revenge from the invaders and the savage murderers for every single martyr with the help of Allah and they shall receive punishment for their barbaric actions".

But local people have so far refused to join any protest, according to the Kandahar provincial council, The Telegraph reports.

"We have heard some people want to stir up big protests, but so far there is no evidence it will happen. We have promised them we will investigate what happened, the council's spokesperson said.

The shooting, which killed nine children and three women, has infuriated Afghan President Hamid Karzai in the wake of escalating tensions with the West over the burning of the Korans at an American airbase.

US President Barack Obama has offered his condolences, with the White House describing the killings "tragic and shocking".

He also vowed "to get the facts as quickly as possible and to hold accountable anyone responsible," an official statement said. (ANI)