US soldiers die in Afghan combat

Two American soldiers died today after a battle with suspected Taliban fighters.

The men were among three initially wounded in the fighting in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province earlier today.

“Two of the soldiers later died of wounds received during the initial contact with enemy fighters northwest of Shkin, in Paktika province this morning,” said a statement from the US military.

Their identities have not been released.

The third soldier was said to be in a stable condition at a treatment facility at a coalition outpost north of Shkin.

He was to be transferred to Bagram Air Base north of the Afghan capital of Kabul, where the coalition is headquartered, said the statement.

“The US forces were conducting a combat mission in the vicinity of a firebase near Shkin when the engagement occurred,” said the statement.

“A quick reaction force responded from Shkin firebase and close air support was requested. Two A-10 Thunderbolt II jets launched from Bagram airbase however, no ordnance was expended.”

US-led coalition forces have come under attack with increasing ferocity in recent months.

The Taliban regime that was ousted in 2001 by the US-led coalition is believed to be reorganising and regrouping in the mountainous border regions of Afghanistan and in neighbouring Pakistan.