Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Taliban admits attack that kills four US troops in Afghanistan just hours after insurgent group announced it would hold peace talks

 

Steve Anderson
Wednesday 19 June 2013 12:23 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Afghan Taliban have claimed responsibility for an attack that killed four US troops on the same day that peace talks between America and the group were announced.

US defence officials had earlier said four US troops were killed at or near Bagram Air Base. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the insurgents fired two rockets into the base.

Officials said the four were killed by indirect fire, likely a mortar or rocket, but had no other details.

The attack comes as the US announced that it will begin talks with top Taliban emissaries to discuss a long-term peace plan for Afghanistan.

Earlier in the day, American and allied forces had formally handed over control of the country's security to the Afghan army and police in a ceremony in Kabul. The transition to Afghan-led security means US and other foreign combat troops will not be directly carrying the fight to the insurgency, but they will advise and back up the Afghan forces as needed with air support and medical evacuations.

Additional reporting by Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in