2 U.S. Troops Killed By Taliban Bomb In Southern Afghanistan

Two U.S. soldiers were killed and two others injured when their vehicle struck a bomb planted by the Taliban in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, according to a U.S. military statement reported by the Associated Press.

The U.S. military vehicle was traveling in Kandahar province when it hit the roadside bomb. The Taliban immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which marks the first American deaths in Afghanistan this year.

The attack also comes amid stalled peace talks between the U.S. and the Taliban. U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is waiting to hear if the Taliban will agree to a temporary ceasefire, which could open the door for the withdrawal of some American troops.

The Pentagon did not identify the service members who were killed, per Defense Department policy.