US forces in Afghanistan facing accusations of war crimes

The US Marines have launched an investigation into a video that claims to show American soldiers urinating on dead bodies in Afghanistan.

The origin of the video is not known, nor is it clear who posted it online. But in the graphic video, four soldiers in combat gear and carrying weapons are seen urinating together over three dead bodies.

The US military command in Kabul said it would investigate the video. If proved to be authentic, desecration of corpses would be regarded a serious crime, and the soldiers would be accused of war crimes.

A US department of defence spokesman, Captain John Kirby, told CNN: "Regardless of the circumstances or who is in the video, this is egregious, disgusting behaviour. It's hideous. It turned my stomach."

The marine corps said in a statement: "While we have not yet verified the origin or authenticity of this video, the actions portrayed are not consistent with our core values and are not indicative of the character of the Marines in our Corps. This matter will be fully investigated."