WASHINGTON, June 20: US troops will face disciplinary action, but no criminal charges, for burning the holy Quran at a base in Afghanistan earlier this year, Pentagon officials told the US media on Wednesday.

One sailor and six soldiers face administrative punishment — the least severe reprimand — for their roles in the incident. None would face a court-martial. The action may include a written reprimand and a loss of pay but all of those who participated in the burning will retain their ranks.

“The investigation is complete and has been subsequently forwarded to the related services for review and any service-specific actions,” an official said.At least 30 Afghans were killed in protests over the burnings, and officials speculated some of the six killings of US military personnel since then were motivated by outrage over the incident.

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