Insurgents Kill U.S., Coalition Troops; 12 Enemy Fighters Killed

[11th/ACR Scout]

American Forces Press Service


BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, March 29, 2006 – Gunmen killed one U.S. servicemember and a coalition servicemember from another country during an enemy attack on a forward operating base in the southern Afghanistan province of Helmand today, military officials reported.
One U.S. servicemember, three other coalition servicemembers, and an Afghan National Army soldier were injured in the attack. At least a dozen enemy insurgents reportedly were killed when coalition forces counterattacked with combined arms, including close-air support.

"Coalition forces fought bravely and defeated a significant enemy element," Army Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Tata, deputy commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76, said. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our soldiers and mourn their loss. Their efforts, however, will be long remembered as coalition forces continue to take the fight to the enemy in order to deny terrorist sanctuary in Afghanistan."

The wounded servicemembers were taken to a coalition medical facility in Kandahar province for treatment. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2...0329_4647.html