US Defense Secretary: Killing of Americans in Baghdad horrible

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-12-2009 08:51

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The US Defense Secretary has expressed "horror and deep regret" at the killing of 5 Americans at a stress clinic at a US base in Baghdad. Meanwhile, Robert Gates has also moved to replace the US commander overseeing the war in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen, meets reporters at the Pentagon, Monday, May 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Authorities are gathering information on exactly what happened after the shooting at Camp Liberty in Iraq.

It's unclear whether the gunman and his victims were workers at the stress clinic or were there for counseling.

Soldiers routinely carry weapons on Camp Liberty and other bases, but they're supposed to be unloaded.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, "But if the preliminary reports are confirmed, such a tragic loss of life at the hands of our own forces is a cause for great and urgent concern and I can assure you it will get this department's highest priority attention."