Tagged with small arms fire
(Eds: Adds confirmation that second fatality is a U.S. service member.)
KABUL (BNO NEWS) — Two coalition soldiers died in two separate incidents in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, the NATO-led ISAF alliance said. The fatalities are the first NATO casualties since the start of Operation Moshtarak.
One American service member died from small-arms fire in the southern part of the country, according to U.S. Master Sergeant Jeffery Loftin. The British Ministry of Defence confirmed one of its soldiers had also been killed. NATO said both soldiers died during Operation Moshtarak.
“It with the deepest sadness that I must confirm a British fatality during the clear phase of Operation Moshtarak,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, a spokesman for Task Force Helmand. “It happened this morning when a soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was killed by an explosion in Nad-e-Ali District, Helmand Province.”
“A British soldier who has made the ultimate sacrifice doing his duty as part of this operation to clear the insurgents away from the people of Nad-e-Ali; his selfless commitment and courage will not be forgotten,” Wakefield added.
NATO officials had earlier said that the soldier who died from small-arms fire was not from the United States, but the alliance later changed its position. A spokesman said no other details would be released pending notification of next of kin.
Earlier on Saturday, three American troops were killed in a bomb attack in the country’s Kandahar province. NATO said that incident was not related to Operation Moshtarak.
The latest fatalities bring the number of international troops killed in Afghanistan this year to 64, according to a BNO News count.
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) – Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) on Monday effectively countered an insurgent attack in downtown Kabul, where several explosions and small arms fire were heard earlier in the day.
“Today’s attack by the Taliban in Kabul is yet another example of their brutality and contempt for the Afghan people,” said Gen. Stanley McChrystal, ISAF commander. “Afghan National Security Force effectively dealt with the situation and should be commended. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the innocent victims of this cowardly attack.”
Near a shopping center and hotel in the downtown area, ANSF and Kabul Security Forces fiercely engaged insurgents who were using rocket propelled grenades and small arms, killing at least six of the insurgents. The Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police reported at least two casualties in today’s attack. The number of civilian casualties is unknown.
The insurgent attack was also condemned by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. “We are aware that the Taliban have claimed responsibility for this attack,” said UNAMA Spokesman Aleem Siddique. “We condemn this attack unreservedly. It is of particular concern that this took place in an area with so many civilians present.”
Kabul City authorities continue to work hand-in-hand with the ANSF to bring this attack on Afghan civilians to an end.
