US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldiers in Afghanistan (file photo)
An Afghan policeman has killed three foreign soldiers serving with the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in the eastern part of the country.
“Three ISAF service members died when an individual wearing an Afghan National Security Forces uniform shot them in eastern Afghanistan today,” the Western military contingent announced on its Twitter account on Saturday.
The ISAF in the Afghan capital city of Kabul confirmed the incident but did not provide any further details.
The latest attack on foreign troops comes at a sensitive time for the United States and its allies, since they are preparing to withdraw the majority of their troops by 2014 under a plan that requires Afghan forces to take responsibility for the country’s security.
According to official figures released by the website icasualties.org, the overall number of the US-led soldiers killed so far this year in Afghanistan stands at 125, of which 98 are American.
The month of June was designated as the deadliest month this year for US-led troops in Afghanistan with a death toll of 27.
A total of 402 US-led soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2012. However, 2010 remains the deadliest year for US-led military casualties, with a death toll of 711.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but the country is still gripped by insecurity.
In late April, the Taliban announced the start of their annual “offensive” against US-led and Afghan forces, vowing a new wave of attacks across Afghanistan.
The militant group said it would use “every possible tactic” to inflict casualties on Afghan and US-led forces. They specifically mentioned insider attacks, and bomb attacks.
The announcement prompted the Afghan authorities to beef up security in major cities across the country, including Kabul.
MP/SS
Afghan policeman kills 3 US-led troops
