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Five foreign troops slain in Taliban attack

  • Story Highlights
  • Three U.S. troops, two Latvian soldier, three Afghan troops killed
  • Attack happens in Kunar province, U.S. says
  • Soldiers slain in "incident" that includes small-arms fire, grenade strikes
  • NATO-led and Afghan forces are pursuing attackers
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(CNN) -- Eight soldiers, including three U.S. troops, have been killed in a Taliban attack in eastern Afghanistan, a U.S. State Department spokesman said in Washington.

Two Latvian soldiers and three Afghan troops were among the victims.

State Department spokesman Robert Wood said in a statement that the attack on Friday occurred on an outpost in Kunar province.

"The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families of all the soldiers killed and wounded in action," he said.

A statement earlier in the day from NATO's International Security Assistance Force said the soldiers were killed during an "incident" that included small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade strikes.

It said Afghan and international forces returned fire and called in additional air support.

"The insurgents withdrew and ISAF-Afghan forces are in pursuit," the statement said.

Wood noted that the U.S., Latvia and Afghanistan are working together to bring stability to the wartorn country.

"Today's tragic loss of life demonstrates the challenges of our common mission and highlights the sacrifice of the brave individuals carrying it out," he said. "It also reaffirms our commitment to the Afghan people and the importance of working together to achieve peace and stability in the region."

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