The Army staff sergeant who went on a nigh-time killing rampage in Afghanistan is to face 17 counts of murder.

Two unidentified U.S. officials said today that Army prosecutors will announce the charges tomorrow. In addition to the 17 counts of murder, he is likely to be charged with six counts of attempted murder, assault and other charges as well.

Army staff sereant Robert Bales, a 38-year-old father of two was taken from Afghanistan last week and remanded to Fort Leavenworth under solitary confinement according to officials. Officials hope that the decision to charge him will show that the United States is determined to make Bales accountable for his actions.

Bales was on his fourth tour of duty when the incident occurred. The incident came on the heels of the Quran burning that set off a wave of protests and killing in Afghanistan.

Nine children were among those killed in the bloody massacre.