A Bloody Weekend For U.S. Forces In Afghanistan

U.S. Army Sgt. Quentin R. Abrell pulls security during a battle drill on Forward Operating Base Lightning in Paktia province, Afghanistan, Oct. 2, 2013. Abrell is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Justin A. Moeller

4 US Soldiers Killed In Taliban Suicide Attack -- Threat Matrix

The Taliban claimed credit for today's suicide attack in the Zhari district of Kandahar that killed four US soldiers during a "partnered" military operation. The district of Zhari, along with Panjwai, is considered to be the cradle of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan.

The International Security Assistance Force announced the deaths of four soldiers early this morning in a press release that had few details:

Four International Security Assistance Force service members were killed by enemy forces during a partnered operation in southern Afghanistan Oct. 5.

It is ISAF policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.

Afghan officials told Pajhwok Afghan News that the four soldiers who were killed were Americans, and they were killed by a suicide bomber:

But the Kandahar governor's spokesman, Javed Faisal, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Americans were killed in a suicide bombing in the Sinzari area of Zhari district. Also, four militants were eliminated as a result of the offensive.

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More News On 4 U.S. Troops Killed In IED Attack In Afghanistan

Four soldiers die in Afghan operation, contractor kills fifth -- Reuters
IED kills four ISAF servicemembers on deadly weekend in southern Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes
Afghanistan bombing kills 4 NATO troops; Taliban claims role -- L.A. Times
Bomb Kills 4 Soldiers In Afghanistan -- New York Times
In Afghanistan, 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed By An Improvised Explosive Device -- Huffington Post/AP
Four U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan -- Wall Street Journal
NATO says ‘alleged’ private security guard kills 1 of its service members in south Afghanistan -- Washington Post/AP
International soldier slain in Afghanistan by alleged private guard -- L.A. Times