NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
August 31, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-63
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE: TWO U.S. SOLDIERS DIE FOLLOWING ACTION NEAR SHKIN, AFGHANISTAN
Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan - In a follow-up to today's press release reference three wounded coalition soldiers, two of the soldiers died of wounds received during the initial contact with enemy fighters northwest of Shkin, in Paktika province this morning.
The third soldier is in stable condition, pending medical evacuation to Bagram Air Base from a treatment facility at Salerno north of Shkin.
The three coalition soldiers were wounded when their element came in contact with enemy fighters at 1 a.m. EST today approximately 5 miles northeast of Shkin in Paktika province.
The U.S. forces were conducting a combat mission in the vicinity of a firebase near Shkin when the engagement occurred. All three soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to medical facilities. A quick reaction force responded from Shkin firebase and close air support was requested. Two A-10 Thunderbolt II jets launched from Bagram airbase, however, no ordnance was expended. During the engagement four of the enemy fighters were killed. Coalition forces broke contact with the enemy about one and one-half hours after first contact. Total size of the enemy force is not known.
The names of the deceased soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The name of the wounded soldier is being withheld for privacy.
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