U.S. Defense Secretary Gates apologizes for U.S. attack that killed 9 Afghan boys

2011-03-08 07:20:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday apologized for the killing of 9 Afghan boys during a U.S. air strike conducted last week.

Gates formally apologized during a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, Afghanistan, shortly after arriving at the Middle Eastern country. The Defense Secretary described the incident as "tragic" and one that has "broken up the hearts of all of us."

Last Tuesday, a U.S. helicopter launched an air strike against 9 boys who were cutting firewood, mistaking them with members of the Taliban.

Gates also said he was "extremely regretful" and offered an apology to the families of the victims, as well as the Afghan people. "I personally apologize to President Karzai," Gates stated.

Karzai's office had previously released a statement in which it was asked that "there should be no further occurrence of such incidents."

The statement also said the Afghan people were tired of these incidents and "excuses and apologies cannot heal their pain."

Gates arrived at Afghanistan earlier in the day in order to visit troops and meet with high ranking officials.

According to Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell, Gates' visit will focus on assessing the progress made toward transitioning security responsibility to Afghan forces which is expected to begin in July.

Gates will visit areas in regional commands South and East, where he will meet with troops and assess progress on the ground. The Defense Secretary has visited the region in an average of a trip each quarter.

Currently, there are around 97,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, along with 50,000 additional troops from 47 different countries.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-08

The Defense Secretary described the incident as "tragic" and one that has "broken up the hearts of all of us."

for sure.