The Iraq distraction continues

June 10, 2005

Combined Forces Command - Afghanistan
Coalition Press Information Center (Public Affairs)

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – One U.S. Soldier and seven enemy were killed today after an ambush on an joint Coalition and Afghan patrol near Lwara in Paktika province.

Three U.S. soldiers were also wounded in the fighting. Two were evacuated to a nearby forward operating base and the third was treated and returned to duty at the scene

“Our patrols of Coalition and Afghan forces are relentless in the pursuit of the enemy,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, Combined Joint Task Force-76’s deputy commanding general. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Soldier and will honor him by continuing to take the fight to the enemy.”

Coalition forces reported the enemy fleeing shortly after the ambush began. Coalition fixed- and rotary-wing attack aircraft and artillery responded to the attack.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.

Their notification of next-of-kin (a spine shivering phrase) will also be relentless.