Camp Pendleton Marine to Head Investigation into Desecration Case

Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, who is based in Camp Pendleton, will lead the investigation into the Marines shown in a video desecrating corpses in Afghanistan.

He was appointed by Gen. James Amos, Marine Corps commandant, to look into the case of four Marines apparently videotaped urinating on the bodies of Afghans.

On announcing the appointment Friday, Amos said the Marine Corps will "not rest until the allegations and the events surrounding them have been resolved."

Waldhauser will have the authority to investigate and take any administrative or disciplinary actions necessary, the Marine Corps said in a statement.

Waldhauser's efforts will be coordinated with NCIS, which is also investigating the case.

Earlier this week, , prompting a search for the Marines who appeared to be involved. The Guardian reported Friday that the four Marines have been ID'd and will likely face court martial.

The Marines, part of a sniper group, were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, based at Camp Lejeune, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.

The video has prompted outrage in Afghanistan, where preliminary talks with the Taliban to end the war had begun. U.S. officials have condemned the episode and raised concerns about possible retaliation against NATO forces.

— City News Service contributed to this report.