US On Alert For Afghan Reprisals.

After a soldier went on a rampage in villages near a base in Kandaha, US officials warned of reprisals, 9 children were among those killed.

President Obama called Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai to express condolences, but Mr Karzai has said the massacre is "unforgivable".

Leon Panetta, US Defense Secretary, has launched a full investigation while Taliban militants has vowed to avenge the deaths.

The soldier left his base at around 03:00 Sunday In the villages of Alkozai and Najeeban and reportedly broke into three homes.

11 people were found shot dead at one home in Najeeban about 500m from the base, some of the dead were set alight and it is believed that three of the child victims were killed by a single shot to the head.

After returning to base it is believed the soldier turned himself in to the US military, his motives are unclear and there is speculation that he may have been drunk or suffered a mental breakdown.

The 38 years old father of two has been detained in Kandahar and the military are treating five wounded.