Two Americans die in attack on Taliban leaders

Two U.S. service members died in an attack targeting two Taliban leaders in northern Afghanistan today. Two other Americans suffered injuries. All four were part of “a train, advise and assist mission” in Kunduz province. According to Afghan officials, 26 civilians and 14 Taliban fighters also died in the attack. Local reports claim the Afghan special operations force encountered heavy resistance from the militia fighters and called in airstrikes to help gain the upper hand. It’s not clear how the Americans died. The Pentagon has not identified them yet. U.S. Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland said the incident was “not a common event” but declined to elaborate. Four other U.S. service members have died in Afghanistan this year. The fight in the country, which began after 9/11, is America’s longest-running war.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.