U.S. Troops Killed in Suicide Attack

By Debbie Gregory.

A Taliban suicide bomber on a motorcycle drove into a military convoy near Bagram Air Base on Monday, killing six American soldiers.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest released a statement condemning the “cowardly attack,” and said the United States “will continue to work together to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

The attack was carried out against a joint patrol of Afghan and coalition forces on December 21st, at approximately 1:30 p.m., in the Bajawri area of Bagram district, said Waheed Sediqi, a spokesman for the governor of Parwan province.

Two other U.S. service members and an American contractor were also wounded, officials said.

In recent months, American Special Operations forces have been drawn back onto the battlefield as Afghan forces have struggled against insurgent offensives that are threatening important population centers.

As the Taliban continues to push in southern Helmand Province, overrunning districts and knocking at the gates of the provincial capital, Laskar Gah, American Special Forces have been reported on the ground again to try to keep the province from fully falling to the insurgents.

Military assistance from the U.S. in the air as well as on the ground was considered a crucial factor in the Afghan forces’ taking back Kunduz, which briefly back into

“If the central government does not pay attention to the security situation in Helmand, the province will eventually fall,” said Mohammad Karim Attal, head of the provincial council in Helmand.

Ash Carter said, “As I saw firsthand during my visit to Afghanistan last Friday, our troops are working diligently alongside our Afghan partners to build a brighter future for the Afghan people. Their dedicated efforts will continue despite this tragic event.”

Our condolences to the families and loved ones of those brave service members who lost their lives. We are also keeping those injured in our thoughts, with hope for a short and full recovery.

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