Bush troubled by reports that US forces killed civilians in Haditha

Washington, June 1 (UNI) US President George W Bush has said he is troubled by allegations that US Marines killed unarmed Iraqi civilians last year in city of Haditha.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, at the White House, Mr Bush promised to punish those responsible and ordered a probe into the alleged killings.

The US forces have been accused of going on a rampage and killing 15 civilians in the north western Iraqi town of Haditha on 19 November last year.

Mr Bush said, ''I am troubled by the initial news stories. I am mindful that there is a thorough investigation going on. If, in fact, the laws were broken, there will be punishment. I know this.

I've talked to General Pete Pace about the subject, who is a proud Marine, and nobody is more concerned about these allegations than the Marine Corps.'' ''The Marine Corps is full of men and women who are honourable people and understand rules of war. And if these allegations are true, the Marine Corps will work hard to make sure that that proud culture will be reinforced and those who violated the law, if they did, will be punished,'' Mr Bush added.

The White House said the details of an investigation into the killings will be released to the public when the probe is completed.

White House press secretary Tony Snow said he has been assured by the Pentagon that