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The BBC's Graham Satchell
"At this stage, it is not known how many were injured"
real 56k
The BBC's Nick Bryant
"Possibility of futher deaths"
real 56k
The BBC's Paul Reynolds
"Questions will be asked again about the level of training in the US military"
real 28k
US Defence Department Lt Col David Lapan
"We take every precaution that we can to make our training as safe as possible, but it does involve risk"
real 28k
Monday, 12 March, 2001, 21:20 GMT
US bombing accident in Kuwait
The jet took off from a carrier in the Persian Gulf
At least six people have been killed as a US Navy F-18 jet accidentally dropped a bomb on military personnel at a training range in Kuwait, officials say.
Four of the dead are said to be American military personnel. The fifth was a New Zealander.
I am reminded today of how dangerous service can be
President Bush
The nationality of the sixth victim has not been made public.
Some 10 others were wounded, according to the US Department of Defence.
Pentagon spokesman, Bryan Whitman, described the incident as a "training accident''.
The aircraft, which had taken off from the USS Harry S Truman in the Persian Gulf, dropped a bomb on a group of people, officials said.
Initial reports indicated those hit by the 225kg (500lb) bomb were observing a training exercise, officials said.
Silence
As he began a visit to Florida, US President George Bush asked those assembled for a moment of silence for the dead soldiers and their families.
"I am reminded today of how dangerous service can be. We lost some men in a training accident," he said.
The accident took place at the Udari bombing range in north-west Kuwait, about 45km (30 miles) from the Iraqi border.
The US military has operated regularly from airfields and an army base in Kuwait since the 1991 Gulf War, when US forces expelled the occupying Iraqi army.
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26 Feb 01 | Middle East
Shadow over Kuwait celebrations
26 Feb 01 | Middle East
Kuwait marks liberation
19 Feb 01 | Country profiles
Country profile: Kuwait
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Top Middle East stories now:
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Links to more Middle East stories are at the foot of the page.
Links to more Middle East stories
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