Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Two American soldiers were killed on Thursday in a Taliban offensive in Afghanistan's Kunduz province.

The Taliban attacked the soldiers while they were taking part in a "train, advise and assist mission" in Kunduz district, according to a statement by the press office of the US army in Afghanistan.

"Two injured soldiers are receiving medical care," said General John W. Nicholson, commander of the US troops in Afghanistan.

According to Nicholson, the two soldiers died from their injuries but insisted that despite the loss, the US forces remain firm in their commitment to help the Afghans defend their nation.

Kunduz police spokesperson Mahfuzullah Akbari confirmed to Efe news that 14 Taliban members died on Wednesday night in a joint US-Afghan operation on land and air on the outskirts of Kunduz city.

Akbari added that those killed include prominent Taliban commander Qari Mutaqi and his three sons.

However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that three insurgents killed 15 Americans before they were gunned down.

--IANS

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