A member of the Afghan security forces during an operation in Ghazni province, in the east of the country, in January (illustration image). – NEW CHINA / SIPA
Afghan and American forces were the target of “direct fire” on Saturday evening in eastern Afghanistansaid a spokesman for the US forces there, reporting several casualties.
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 US 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 investigation”. 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 do not 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, notably in exchange for security guarantees and a reduction in violence. In January, insurgents issued 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.
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