The United States Defence Department has issued a statement condemning a message written by a sailor on a laser-guided bomb which was fired at Iraq.

The message, which was photographed by a journalist, said "Here's a Ramadan present", referring to the holy Islamic month which began at the weekend.

The Defence Department said it was distressed when it heard about the incident, and that the message did not reflect American views.

It said the United States deeply respected Islam.