JOIN US"We apologise for the distress these photos cause," US Army said in a statement, on the pictures published by the German newspaper, Der Spiegel.
"Der Spiegel published photographs over the weekend depicting actions repugnant to us as human beings and contrary to the standards and values of the United States Army," it said.
The US Army said the actions portrayed in these photographs have been investigated and are now the subject of ongoing US court-martial proceedings, in which the accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
"These court-martial proceedings speak for themselves," it said.
The photos appear in stark contrast to the discipline, professionalism and respect that have characterized US Soldiers' performance during nearly 10 years of sustained operations.
"It would be improper to comment further on these photographs at this time. The United States Army is committed to adherence to the Law of War and the humane and respectful treatment of combatants, noncombatants, and the dead," the Army said.
"When allegations of wrongdoing by Soldiers surface, to include the inappropriate treatment of the dead, they are fully investigated. Soldiers who commit offenses will be held accountable as appropriate," US Army said.