WASHINGTON: Saying he was “deeply, deeply ashamed,” a US commander apologised and made $2,000 payments on Tuesday to family members of 19 Afghans killed and 50 injured by US Marines in an incident more than two months ago.

Colonel John Nicholson, a US brigade commander, told reporters that the March 4 incident in Nangarhar province is still under investigation but the military decided to make the payments as a gesture of condolence.

“I stand before you today deeply, deeply ashamed and terribly sorry that Americans have killed and wounded innocent Afghan people,” Nicholson said he told the family members.

“We are filled with grief and sadness at the death of any Afghan. But the death and wounding of innocent Afghans at the hand of Americans is a stain on our honour and on the memory of the many Americans who have died defending Afghanistan and the Afghan people,” he said.

“This was a terrible, terrible mistake, and my nation grieves with you for your loss and suffering. We humbly ask for your respect and forgiveness,” he said.

Nicholson read the statement to reporters here via video link from Afghanistan.—AFP