Bomb Attacks Kill 8 U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 27, 2009 - Eight U.S. troops and an Afghan civilian working with NATO forces were killed today in multiple "complex" bomb attacks in southern Afghanistan, military officials reported. Several other servicemembers were injured in the attacks and were transported to a regional medical facility for treatment, U.S. Forces Afghanistan officials said.

"A loss like this is extremely difficult for the families as well as for those who served alongside these brave servicemembers," said Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, a spokeswoman for NATO's International Security Assistance Force's Joint Command. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who mourn their loss."

Further details about the event are being withheld pending notification of the families.

Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman, said a complex improvised explosive device attack can refer to the use of several explosives, with additional bombs set to strike first responders to an initial blast.

"A complex [IED attack] usually is more than one, set up in a way to cause maximum casualties," he said.