US soldier kills 16 Afghans in unprovoked rampage

A US soldier walked out of a base in southern Afghanistan before dawn and shot dead 16 Afghan civilians, including nine children and three women.

The shooting looks certain to deepen strains between US forces and their Afghan hosts after weeks of violence triggered by Americans burning Muslim holy books at a US base.

The burnings sparked violent protests and attacks that killed some 30 people. Six US service members have been killed in attacks by their Afghan colleagues since the Koran burnings came to light.