© Reuters Photographer / Reuter
Two U.S. service members were killed Thursday in Afghanistan while cooperating with Afghan security forces to carry out operations against the Taliban. “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,” a statement said. No details were provided about the identity of the fallen personnel. U.S. combat operations against the Taliban ended for the most part in 2014, but special-forces personnel have remained engaged in combat against the militant extremists.
"On behalf of all of 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 General John W. Nicholson, commander of USFOR-A.