Afghanistan: Two US soldiers killed and two others injured by Afghan soldier June 10

Event

On Saturday, June 10, two US soldiers were killed and two others were injured when an Afghan army soldier opened fire on US troops in Achin district. The Afghan soldier was killed following the attack.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with a Taliban spokesman stating that a Taliban member had infiltrated the Afghan army to attack foreign troops.

Context

A similar attack occurred on March 19 when an Afghan soldier opened fire on US military trainers at Camp Shorab airbase in Helmand province, wounding three US soldiers.

Insider attacks, also known as “green-on-blue” attacks, by Afghan soldiers were a significant problem several years ago. The frequency of the attacks decreased after security measures improved and the number of foreign troops in the country decreased.

The Taliban has made gains in several parts of the country since most foreign combat troops withdrew from Afghanistan at the end of 2014. The US-led coalition has redeployed hundreds of troops to Helmand, however, to train and advise Afghan forces, as well as provide occasional air support. Foreign forces battled the Taliban in Helmand for years after the ousting of the militant group from power in late 2001. .

Advice

Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.