Three ISAF service members killed in southern Afghanistan

ISAF, August 13, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan - Three International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) service members were killed today as a result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation that occurred in southern Afghanistan.

“On behalf of all ISAF personnel, I convey my deepest condolences to these soldiers’ families and loved ones as they cope with their tragic losses,” said Brigadier-General Eric Tremblay, ISAF Spokesperson.

It is ISAF policy not to release the nationality of any casualty prior to the relevant national authority doing so.

Next of kin have been informed.

ISAF service member killed in southern Afghanistan

ISAF, August 13, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan -

An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service member was killed today as a result of a direct fire attack in southern Afghanistan.

“It is with great sadness that ISAF confirms that one of its members lost his life in an engagement with insurgents.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this valiant service member,” said Brigadier-General Eric Tremblay, ISAF Spokesperson.

Lt. Cmdr. Christine Sidenstricker, a U.S. spokesperson, confirmed that the deceased is a U.S. service member.

ISAF service member killed in southern Afghanistan

ISAF, August 13, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan –

An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service member was killed today when the vehicle he was in struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in southern Afghanistan.

“Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to the family members, friends and comrades of this dedicated service member,” said Brigadier-General Eric Tremblay, ISAF Spokesperson.

Captain Jon Stock, a U.S. spokesperson, confirmed that the deceased is a U.S. service member.

Soldiers killed in Afghanistan to be named

Fri Aug 14, 2009, 3:15 am ET

LONDON (AFP) –

Three British soldiers killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, bringing the British death toll to 199 since the US-led invasion in 2001, are expected to be named on Friday.

The three -- two from The 2nd Battalion The Rifles and one from 40 Regiment Royal Artillery -- died following an explosion while on foot patrol near Sangin, in the volatile Helmand province.

The deaths come amid an upsurge of violence threatening elections next week, the second Afghan presidential ballot since the US led invasion to oust the Taliban after the September 11 attacks.

"The loss of these brave men, and of all those who have been killed in Afghanistan since 2002, is a tragedy," said defence secretary Bob Ainsworth.

"It brings us very close to the sad milestone of 200 fatalities in this conflict. We cannot help but reflect on the toll the mission has taken on our people and their families and friends."

But he said: "We must also keep in the forefront of our minds how important it is to the security of this country and its citizens.

"So many young men and women have been injured or given their lives to ensure that Afghanistan does not fall back into the hands of the extremists and the terrorists who seek to threaten us and our interests."

"We must succeed. And we will," he added.

2 rockets fired at Kabul airport; no casualties

Reuters – August 14, 2009

KABUL –

The U.S. military says two rockets were fired at Kabul's airport, but neither caused damage or casualties.

Chief Petty Officer Brian Naranjo says the rockets were fired on Friday. It is the second rocket attack on the capital this month.

Taliban fighters took responsibility for the previous attack.

A week before the presidential election there are fears that the militants will try to disrupt the poll.

Kabul is heavily guarded by Afghan security forces, and authorities say that rockets _fired from a distance — are the only weapon insurgents can use against the capital.