Obama calls Karzai to express 'shock' over Afghan killings

President Obama called Afghanistan counterpart Hamid Karzai today to "express his shock and sadness" at the shooting deaths of 16 Afghanistan civilians by a U.S. soldier, the White House announced. Obama also "extended his condolences to the people of Afghanistan, and made clear his Administration's commitment to establish the facts as quickly as possible and to hold fully accountable anyone responsible," said a White House statement. It added that "the president reaffirmed our deep respect for the Afghan people and the bonds between our two countries." In a separate written statement issued today, Obama said he is "deeply saddened" by the "tragic and shocking" incident. "I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and to the people of Afghanistan, who have endured too much violence and suffering," Obama said in the statement. "This incident is tragic and shocking, and does not represent the exceptional character of our military and the respect that the United States has for the people of Afghanistan." Obama added. The president also said he fully supports the commitment by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Gen. John Allen "to get the facts as quickly as possible and to hold accountable anyone responsible." CAPTIONBy Pete Souza, The White House Obama had been briefed earlier on the shootings of Afghanistan civilians by a U.S. service member, as military officials continue to gather facts on the incident that will probably further strain U.S.-Afghan relations. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, "we are deeply concerned by the initial reports of this incident, and are monitoring the situation closely." The unidentified U.S. service member walked off his base in southern Afghanistan and started shooting civilians, according to villagers as well as NATO and Afghanistan officials. Karzai said 16 people have been killed, including nine children and three women, and he has demanded a U.S. explanation for what he calls "an assassination." The shooting occurred less than a month after the accidental burning of Qurans at a U.S. military base triggered riots by Afghans. The killings may also increase calls for the United States military to leave Afghanistan ahead of its scheduled 2014 departure date. Republican presidential Newt Gingrich advocated such a course this morning. Speaking on CBS' Face The Nation, Gingrich said, "I think that we have to reassess the entire region," citing U.S. problems with neighboring Pakistan as well. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said on ABC's This Week the U.S. should finish the mission in Afghanistan so that it does not again become a base for terrorists. The "tragic" shooting will be investigated, and "that soldier will be held accountable for his actions under the military justice system," Graham said. "Unfortunately, these things happen in war."