A U.S. military probe has uncovered evidence that implicates both Marines and commanders in a cover-up of the killings of innocent Iraqis in the city of Haditha. An army official told the Washington Post officers gave false testimony to their superiors, who in turn failed to investigate information that should have been pursued. The findings back recent statements by Democratic Congressmember John Murtha, who says he was given credible information a cover-up occurred. In Washington, President Bush made his first public comments on the massacre.

• President Bush: “I am troubled by the initial news stories. I am mindful that there is a thorough investigation going on. If, in fact, the — you know, laws were broken, there will be punishment.”

Meanwhile in Iraq, Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki said his government would hold US forces accountable for unlawful killings.

• Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki: “Mistakes may happen, it is not a strange thing but there is an acceptable limit to mistakes but when they (mistakes) exceed this limit and turn to disrespect to the people’s dignity and the people’s blood this for us means a disdain of the lives of the innocent.”