Three US soldiers killed in Afghanistan: Pentagon

On Saturday, Afghan officials also confirmed that three policemen had been killed and two others wounded when a USA aircraft opened fire during an operation in Helmand Province. One U.S. soldier was wounded and has been evacuated for medical treatment. "Next of kin notification is underway", the Pentagon said in a statement. It said the incident was under investigation.

The US military command in Afghanistan released a statement saying that the "friendly-fire" incident "resulted in the deaths and injuries" and that an investigation is being conducted.

The Afghan army soldier opened fire and killed the Americans, according to US and Afghan officials. USA military officials estimate there are about 600 to 800 Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan, mostly in Nangarhar, but also in the neighbouring province of Kunar.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Twitter that four USA soldiers were killed in the attack.

Vice President Pence addressed the attack in his remarks at an event in Wisconsin on repealing Obamacare.

So-called "green-on-blue" insider attacks by Afghan soldiers on global service members were a major problem several years ago, but now happen less frequently after security measures were improved and the number of foreign troops in the country fell sharply. "The president and I have been briefed; the details of this attack will be forthcoming". When heroes fall, Americans grieve.

The shooter in Saturday's incident was believed to be a member of the Afghan military, the USA official said.

The incident occurred during a joint U.S.

Afghanistan has suffered a string of violent attacks in recent weeks after the Taliban launched their spring offensive, including attacks in the capital city of Kabul that killed and wounded hundreds. "The Afghan commando was also killed in counterattack".

For example, the use of "guardian angels" has become standard in Afghanistan. The area has been cordoned off by USA troops.

USA officials estimate that ISIS has 600 to 800 fighters in the country, mostly former members of other regional terror groups, including the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The operation was targeting ISIS-K, the terror group's Afghanistan affiliate.

There are about 8,400 United States troops in Afghanistan. American officials say the military has proposed sending an additional 2,000 to 4,000 US troops to Afghanistan, but the number may ultimately depend on how many additional troops are committed by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation partners.