US launches probe into claims of civilian massacre by marines

THE US military has launched an investigation into claims that American forces shot dead 15 members of two families, including a three year-old-girl, shortly after a roadside bomb killed a US marine in a western Iraqi town.

The story of the incident, told to the Associated Press news agency by residents, was largely forgotten until last week when the military said it was investigating potential misconduct by marines after a rebel attack in the town of Haditha, 140 miles north west of Baghdad, on November 19 last.

The allegations against the marines were first brought forward by Time Magazine, which said it obtained a videotape two months ago taken by a Haditha journalism student inside the houses and local mortuary.