At least two US soldiers succumbed to their injuries they sustained during the operations in the restive Kunduz province of Afghanistan in the north.
“Two U.S. service members died as a result of wounds sustained during operations in Kunduz district, Kunduz province today. Two other U.S. service members were wounded in the operation,” the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) said in a statement.
“On behalf of all U.S. Forces – Afghanistan, today’s loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today. 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 W. Nicholson, commander of USFOR-A. “Despite today’s tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation.”
The statement further added that the 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.
No further details were given regarding the identities of the deceased soldiers, saying “U.S. Department of Defense policy is to withhold the identity of the service members pending next-of-kin notification. We will release additional information as appropriate.”
At least 11 NATO service members including 9 US soldiers have lost their lives since the beginning of the year, according to icasualties.org which tracks that coalition forces casualties.
