Afghan soldier is killed after gunfight breaks out in Kabul base

Officials confirm that gunfire started following an argument at a military base

An Afghan National Army soldier keeps watch near the site of a gunfight on the outskirts of Kabul October 26, 2013. (Reuters )

An Afghanistan solder has been killed at a military base in Kabul today after firing at international troops.

Nato officials confirmed that at least one foreign soldier died in the incident. The gunfight broke out after an argument.

An Afghanistan Defence Ministry spokesman, General Mohammad Zahir Azimi, confirmed that an Afghan soldier was killed in the exchange at a military facility.

Another Defence Ministry spokesman, Dawlat Waziri, added: “There was an argument between an Afghan and foreign soldier inside a military base... where they opened fire on each other. An investigation is ongoing.”

So-called “insider attacks” are continuing to strain relations between the Nato-led alliance and the Kabul authorities and further undermine waning support for the war in the West.

The coalition briefly suspended joint operations last year following a spate of attacks and introduced measures to reduce the interaction between troops.

Foreign combat troops are due to leave by the end of 2014, but a small mission could stay to advise and provide training.