Five US soldiers who served in Afghanistan have been accused in the US of murdering three Afghans and cutting off fingers and other body parts to keep as trophies.

According to the Seattle Times, the murders were allegedly committed in January, February and May by soldiers from a brigade based in the US state of Washington.

The soldiers are now facing a court-martial and could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.

They also face charges of using hashish, obstructing justice and possessing human body parts.

The soldiers had been deployed in Afghanistan for a year in Kandahar province.