NEWS ALERT: 2 U.S. TROOPS KILLED AND 4 INJURED IN AFGHANISTAN

KABUL (AP) - A blast outside a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan killed two American troops and wounded four others Saturday, a military spokesman said.

2009-07-04 09:30:01 -
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The troops were attacked outside the base in eastern Paktika province, but there were no immediate details about the nature of the blast, said Tech. Sgt. Chuck Marsh, a U.S. military spokesman.

Insurgents also attacked the base with small arms fire before U.S. troops called in airstrikes on their positions, Marsh said.

The deaths came as thousands of Marines in southern Afghanistan pursued the biggest U.S. military operation here since the American-led invasion of 2001, trying to cut insurgent supply lines and win over local elders.

Saturday's attack happened near an area in eastern Paktika province where an American soldier and three Afghans with him were believed captured by insurgents Tuesday.U.S. troops continued looking for the soldier, Navy Chief Petty Officer Brian Naranjo said Friday.

The military has not publicly identified him.No immediate claim of responsibility was made by any insurgent group for the missing soldier or Saturday's attack.

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