Soldiers Killed, Wounded in Afghanistan; DoD Identifies Casualties
Four U.S. soldiers were killed and one was wounded yesterday during combat and combat rescue operations in the
Kamdesh district of Afghanistan's Nuristan province, and the Defense
Department has identified two earlier casualties from the war in Iraq.
Coalition forces attacked enemy extremists in a remote area of the
Kamdesh district while conducting security operations to interdict enemy
movement through northern Nuristan, officials said. During the mission,
four U.S. soldiers were killed. Their names are being withheld until
their families are notified.
"We deeply regret the deaths of these brave and selfless soldiers who
died fighting for security and freedom," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C.
Freakley, commander of Combined Joint task Force 76. "These superb
soldiers, who represented the best our nation has to offer, served our Army
and nation proudly. They were fighting for a better future for the
people of Afghanistan, and we will never forget them."
The soldier who was wounded in the fighting was evacuated to a
coalition hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Close-air support and ground forces continued to press the assault on
enemy positions into the night, officials said. Enemy casualties have
yet to be determined.
Afghan National Army and coalition forces have conducted operations in
the most northern regions of Nuristan since Operation Mountain Lion
began in mid-April. Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said
Afghan and coalition forces have made good progress in disrupting enemy
movement throughout the region and have introduced much needed
humanitarian support and, through security and stability, have paved the way for
new construction, economic development and needed infrastructure.
"We will not be deterred in our mission," Freakley said. "With the
support of Afghan and coalition forces, the Afghan government offers
development, jobs, education (and) a better way of life. These insurgents
only bring violence, fear and intimidation. They offer the people of
Afghanistan nothing. Our fallen soldiers would want their comrades to
continue the good work they left behind."
Also yesterday, the Defense Department identified two soldiers who died
June 17 in Ramadi, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near their
Humvee. Sgt. Reyes Ramirez, 23, of Willis, Texas, and Spc. Robert L. Jones,
22, of Milwaukie, Ore., were assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion,
Baumholder, Germany.
