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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Feb. 13, 2006 – Four U.S. servicemembers were killed today when a suspected improvised explosive device struck their up-armored Humvee north of Deh Rahwod in Uruzgan province, officials here reported today.
The servicemembers were on patrol with Afghan National Army forces at the time of the attack. Their unit and service branch information was not released. Shortly afterwards, the patrol was engaged with small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. The coalition responded with fixed- and rotary-wing attack aircraft to support the U.S. ground forces. Officials said battle-damage assessment was ongoing. "This is a sad and tragic day for us all," said Brig. Gen. John Sterling, deputy commanding general (support) of Combined Joint Task Force 76. But, he said, "these brave servicemembers, along with the Afghan National Army, have made huge advances for security and prosperity in Afghanistan. This incident increases our resolve to continue their efforts to ultimate success." The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. (Based on a Combined Forces Afghanistan Command news release.)
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