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2 US Troops Killed in Attack on Afghan Base

Taliban claims responsibility for strike that wounded 6

By Jess Kilby,  Newser User

Posted Jun 21, 2009 6:57 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Two US troops were killed and six more Americans were injured early this morning in a rocket strike on a US air base in Afghanistan, the Los Angeles Times reports. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the 2 a.m. strike on the heavily fortified compound, which brings the American death toll in Afghanistan this year to at least 81, according to a watchdog group that tracks troop casualties.

No injuries were reported among the Afghan communities that surround the sprawling base, which is the size of a small city. Attacks on the compound are rare, and today’s is only
the third since January to penetrate the perimeter of the base. The current pace of US causalities in Afghanistan indicates 2009 may be the deadliest year yet in the nearly 8-year conflict, eclipsing last year’s count of 155.


U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines cross an alley way as they battle Taliban fighters near Now Zad in Afghanistan's Helmand province Saturday, June 20, 2009.
U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines cross an alley way as they battle Taliban fighters near Now Zad in Afghanistan's Helmand province Saturday, June 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines dismount from their vehicles during a battle against Taliban fighters near Now Zad in Afghanistan's Helmand province, June 20, 2009.
U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines dismount from their vehicles during a battle against Taliban fighters near Now Zad in Afghanistan's Helmand province, June 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
An Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Spc. Eduardo S. Silva, 25, during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 11, 2009.
An Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Spc. Eduardo S. Silva, 25, during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Jun 22, 2009 6:55 AM CDT
The most you could have done aclepd.com is not use the death of tow American soliders to pitch your Youtube site. Real poor form.
US • World

 
Afghanistan • Taliban • US troops • casualties • mortar attack

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