6 U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan suicide attack

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

U.S. Army soldiers stand with Afghan policemen before a joint patrol of Qalanderkhail, outside of Bagram Airfield, in Afghanistan in 2009. U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in a statement that six U.S. service members died and two other service...

KABUL, Afghanistan — Six American troops were killed today by a suicide car bombing near the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, officials said.

Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the bombing near Bagram Airfield in northern Afghanistan, saying in a statement that their target was a joint Afghan-NATO security patrol.

“We’re deeply saddened by this loss,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Wilson A. Shoffner, spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition. “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those affected in this tragic incident, especially during this holiday season.”

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in a statement that six U.S. service members died and two other service members and a contractor were injured in the attack.

A member of the provincial council of Parwan, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said at least three members of the Afghan National Police were injured.

Bagram Airfield is home to one of the largest contingents of the remaining 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2013/may/16/0516_bomb/