Allauddin Khan / AP
A villager in Panjwai, Afghanistan, holds an empty canister after 16 civilians were killed in a shooting spree on Sunday.
By msnbc.com staff and news services
KABUL, Afghanistan -- The U.S. soldier who allegedly shot 16 Afghan villagers was caught on surveillance video that showed him walking up to his base and raising his arms in surrender, an Afghan official who viewed the footage told The Associated Press.
The video reportedly was shot from a blimp and showed the soldier walking up to his base covered in a traditional Afghan shawl. The soldier removed the shawl and put his weapon on the ground, then raised his arms in surrender.
Officials: US soldier in Afghanistan shooting spree said 'I did it'
The military has detained an Army staff sergeant in connection with Sunday's massacre.
Angry at foreign troops, frustrated with their government and tired of war, villagers recounted the tragedy to a delegation sent to the scene by President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday. Two who lost relatives insisted that not one -- but at least two -- soldiers took part in the shootings. Afghan officials have also suggested that more than one shooter was involved.
Villagers who witnessed the methodical killing are asking for an execution and the U.S. is reportedly considering charges that would carry the death penalty for the soldier who allegedly killed 16 Afghan civilians. NBC's Richard Engel reports.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta arrived in Afghanistan on Wednesday?to meet?with troops, commanders and Afghan government officials.
NYT: An Afghan elder comes home to find a massacre
The visit was planned months ago, long before the weekend slaughter that claimed the lives of more than a dozen villagers, including women and children. But the trip propels Panetta into the center of escalating anti-American anger and sets the stage for some difficult discussions with Afghan leaders.
Obama: Killing Afghans as serious as killing Americans
Panetta and other U.S. officials say the shooting spree should not derail the U.S. and NATO strategy of a gradual withdrawal of troops by the end of 2014. But it has further soured relations with war-weary Afghans, jeopardizing the U.S. strategy of working closely with Afghan forces so they can take over their country's security.
The Associated Press and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.
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