Anti-U.S. protests continued in Baghlan Thursday. Javid Besharat/AP
Obama apologizes for alleged Koran burning
Letter handed to Afghan President Hamid Karzai by U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker.
President Obama sent Afghan President Hamid Karzai a letter on Thursday apologizing for the alleged burning of Korans at a U.S. military base, Karzai’s office confirmed on its website.
“I wish to express my deep regret for the reported incident,” Obama wrote. “I extend to you and the Afghan people my sincere apologies.”
The president concludes the letter: “The error was inadvertent; I assure you that we will take the appropriate steps to avoid any recurrence, to include holding accountable those responsible.”
The incident, which caused protests at Bagram Air Base, drew immediate response from a top U.S. military official earlier this week, who apologized and launched an investigation into the incident.
The letter was handed to Karzai this afternoon in Kabul by U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker. The letter is an attempt by the administration at calming tensions between the two nations after the incident was reported.
Protests have raged across the war torn country for the last several days. Several Afghan civilians were reportedly killed and dozens were injured.