The two US marines who were filmed urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters have been recommended for a trial by court martial, according to the Pentagon.
Staff sergeants Joseph Chamblin and Edward Deptola will face the court martial, a month after three of their colleagues were given administrative punishments for their role in the incident.
Afghan officials praised the action taken by the US.
"We welcome the US move to put those Marines on trial," defence ministry spokesman General Zahir Azimi told AFP.
"We want all those people who commit unlawful acts to be brought to justice."
The Taliban however dismissed the move.
"It is just a symbolic move to catch media attention. These soldiers are war criminals and should be severely punished," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said by phone from an undisclosed location.
"They have not committed a mistake, it was an intentional crime."
