Two U.S. service members were killed and four more were wounded in northern Afghanistan Wednesday as they helped Afghan Security forces who were battling the Taliban in Kunduz province, the military announced.
Those service members “came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group’s operations in Kunduz district,” the statement said.
Two U.S. service members were gravely wounded and died later.
“Our wounded soldiers are receiving the best medical care possible and we are keeping them and their families in our thoughts today, as well,” said Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan in a statement. “Despite today’s tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation.”
Defense Secretary Ash Carter said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the deaths.
“Some of our Afghan partners also died,” he said in a statement. “Our service members were doing their part to help the Afghans secure their own country while protecting our homeland from those who would do us harm. On this difficult day, please keep their families, friends and teammates in your thoughts and prayers. We will honor their sacrifice by finishing our important mission in Afghanistan.”
At least 15 U.S. troops have died in combat there since the official end of combat operations in December 2014. So far this year there have been 10 deaths: 6 U.S. troops, 2 U.S. civilians, and 2 Romanian troops, according to U.S. Forces in Afghanistan.
