Afghan and American forces were the target of "direct fire" on Saturday evening in eastern Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the American forces on the spot, reporting several victims.
While the situation in Sherzad headquarters remained confused on Saturday evening, Afghan security sources who requested anonymity told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that it could be at least one Afghan soldier who allegedly opened fire on American soldiers inside the barracks.
No official balance sheet
"A team of American and Afghan forces operating in Nangarhar province was the target of direct fire on February 8," said US Colonel Sonny Leggett, adding that the situation was "under evaluation". Several Afghan security sources have confirmed these clashes between American and Afghan forces. According to an Afghan government official, "several helicopters landed and took off from the headquarters, evacuating the victims". No official report has yet been released. "We don't know if this is a clash or an insider attack," he said, on condition of anonymity.
The incident comes as the Taliban has been negotiating with the United States for more than a year to withdraw foreign troops from Afghanistan, in particular in exchange for security guarantees and a reduction in violence. In January, insurgents sent out a ceasefire offer, to which Washington has not officially responded.
2019 has been the deadliest year for U.S. forces in Afghanistan since combat operations were officially suspended in late 2014.
World
Afghanistan: Taliban claim attack that killed American soldier
World
Afghanistan: Pentagon confirms military plane crash
- World
- United States
- afghanistan