WASHINGTON – International News – An American general was killed today in Kabul, Afghanistan, when an individual believed to be a member of the Afghan security forces fired into a group of coalition troops, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters.
The General was killed in what appears to be an insider attack in Afghanistan. Pentagon spokesman, Rear Admiral John Kirby “I can confirm that an individual believed to be an Afghan soldier fired today into a group of coalition troops at the Marshall Fahim National Defense University in Kabul City, Afghanistan. There are a number of casualties as the result of the shooting, perhaps up to fifteen, to include some Americans. Many were seriously wounded, others received only minor injuries. The assailant was killed. I can also confirm that among the casualties was an American general officer, who was killed. Given that the family notification process is not yet complete, I cannot and will not release any additional information about the general. I’m sure you can understand that we want to respect the notification process, and the family’s privacy at this time.”
The coalition troops were on a routine site visit to the Marshal Fahim National Defense University, the Afghan army’s commissioned and non-commissioned officer academy, Kirby said during a news briefing today.
“There are a number of casualties as a result of the shooting, perhaps up to 15, to include some Americans,” he said. “Many were seriously wounded. Others received only minor injuries. The assailant was killed.”
“Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen general on behalf of the men and women of the department”, Kirby said.
“Hagel received an update on the incident this morning from Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the International Security Assistance Force commander”, Kirby said. “And he pledged to General Dunford whatever support he and this department could provide with respect to the investigation.”
“The incident will be jointly investigated by Afghan and ISAF authorities,” Kirby said. “That investigation is just now getting underway. We need to let it proceed before speculating about any specific circumstances.”
