BAGHDAD, May 18: US military commanders have apologised to community leaders in Iraq after an American soldier used a copy of the holy Quran for shooting practice, fearing an outburst of anger among US-allied tribesmen.

The swift apology by the US commanders appeared aimed at avoiding similar violence in Iraq.

The US military said on Sunday the soldier, who was not identified, had been disciplined and ordered to leave Iraq.

CNN said Maj-Gen Jeffery Hammond, the commander of US troops in Baghdad, and other officers were met by protesters when they went to Radwaniya to deliver the apology on Saturday.

“I am a man of honour, I am a man of character. You have my word this will never happen again,” Hammond told the crowd.—Reuters