Taliban claim responsibility for attack on Afghan base

Published June 19, 2013
Bagram air base.  — File Photo
Bagram air base. — File Photo

KABUL: The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack in Afghanistan overnight that killed four US troops, just hours after Washington said its officials would met the insurgents for talks.

“Last night two big rockets were launched at Bagram (air base) which hit the target. Four soldiers are dead and six others are wounded. The rockets caused a major fire,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP by telephone.

The deaths were caused by insurgent “indirect fire,” either mortars or rockets, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The report of casualties came hours after the Taliban insurgency announced it would enter into peace talks with the Afghan government and the United States, and after Nato formally handed responsibility for security to the Kabul government.

There were no further details of the attack at Bagram, a sprawling base about 30 miles (47 kilometers) north of Kabul that serves as a major hub for US aircraft.

The US military's presence in Afghanistan is roughly 66,000 troops, after having reached a peak of about 100,000 forces.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...