the U.S. Army massacre of 16 of Afghans shoul be sentenced to death

Kabul, A soldier in the United States (U.S.) who slaughtered 16 Afghan civilians could be threatened with the death penalty if convicted. Up to now unknown trigger the despicable actions of U.S. troops.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the brutal shooting suspects will be tried in U.S. military courts. The court allows the death penalty in some cases.

When asked by reporters whether the defendant will be sentenced to death, Panetta as reported by AFP news agency on Tuesday (3/13/2012) said: "My understanding is that in this case could be a consideration."

Panetta said the events in Kandahar on Sunday, March 11 and then as a "terrible loss of life" and until now not known what caused the soldiers to the massacre.

"We're not sure what the reason. But he has been arrested. I have made sure the President (Hamid) Karzai that he will be brought to justice and held accountable," said Panetta.

Panetta emphasized this incident will not interfere or change the strategy of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. "We can not let these events interfere with our strategy or the mission that we run," said Panetta. "It's important for us to move forward," he said.

U.S. troops leave unnamed headquarters in Kandahar on Sunday, March 11 before dawn local time and burst into three houses. He immediately opened fire on the victims included nine children and three women. After killing 16 victims, U.S. soldiers were even burned the bodies of some victims.

This incident infuriated the Afghan government. Even Afghan President Hamid Karzai called the incident "inexcusable."