Barack Obama offers condolences over 'tragic incident' in Kunduz

Washington: US President Barack Obama has  offered his "deepest condolences" over a suspected US  airstrike on a hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz that  killed 19 people, and promised a thorough probe of the  incident. "On behalf of the American people, I extend my deepest  condolences to the medical professionals and other civilians  killed and injured in the tragic incident at a Doctors Without  Borders hospital in Kunduz," he said in a statement released  by the White House. "The Department of Defense has launched a full  investigation, and we will await the results of that inquiry  before making a definitive judgment as to the circumstances of  this tragedy," Obama said. 

The attack on early Saturday left the building engulfed  in flames, and dozens more people seriously wounded, with  photos posted by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without  Borders) showing their staff shocked and dazed.  MSF said the aerial raid hit the main hospital building  housing the intensive care unit and emergency rooms, while the  surrounding buildings were left untouched.  "I have asked the Department of Defense to keep me  apprised of the investigation and expect a full accounting of  the facts and circumstances," Obama said. 

"Michelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to all of  the civilians affected by this incident, their families, and  loved ones."  He added: "We will continue to work closely with  President (Ashraf) Ghani, the Afghan government, and our  international partners to support the Afghan National Defense  and Security forces as they work to secure their country."