Three NATO Force Members Killed In Afghanistan

US army general John Nicholson, Commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan. (Pictures: US Department of Defense)

Three NATO force members have been killed in a suicide bombing in eastern Afghanistan today, the US military said.

A US soldier and two Afghan troops were also wounded in the blast, which targeted a foot patrol in Charikar, officials said.

The Czech military later confirmed that those killed in the incident were Czech service members. The Czech Republic has around 260 troops taking part in NATO's Operation Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. 

The Taliban has claimed it carried out the attack.

Lubomír Metnar, Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic minister, said: "The tragic death of our three soldiers has hit me very much, and I want to express my deep condolences to all families and loved ones."

Czech Republic President Miloš Zeman also released a statement through his spokesman to express his country’s sympathy and resolve, saying: "Deep regret and sympathy for all relatives of the suicide bombers, but it should not discourage us from continuing to fight international terrorism."

Chief of Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, Lieutenant General Aleš Opata, said: "The report of the deaths of the soldiers is always the worst, it has struck me. 

"In my eyes, they are the heroes who have been involved in the fight against terrorism outside the Czech Republic. The whole country should be proud of them. Sincere condolences to families, relatives and friends."

Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, also provided his condolences and reaffirmed the Alliance’s shared commitment to Afghanistan’s long-term security and stability in a separate statement posted to Twitter.

US army general John Nicholson, the commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, said: "My thoughts and prayers, along with those of all of the 41-contributing Resolute Support nations, are with the families and friends of our fallen and wounded service members, and our injured Afghan brothers and their families.

"Their sacrifice will endure in both our hearts and history, and further strengthen our resolve."

The Resolute Support mission said it does not release the casualty’s nationality until it is released by the relevant national authority.