Two U.S. servicemen were killed in a "green-on-blue" attack on Wednesday, which are assaults on foreign troops by members of the Afghan security forces or a gunman wearing an Afghan military uniform acting individually or as part of an organization. Pictured: Afghan soldiers prepare to depart following an inspection at the Regional Military Training Center at Tactical Base Gamberi in Laghman province, Afghanistan, July 30, 2015. Photo courtesy of Department of Defense
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The Department of Defense on Thursday identified two U.S. servicemen who were killed recently when their vehicle was attacked by a gunman wearing an Afghan military uniform.
Initially reported as the death of two NATO soldiers, the Defense Department confirmed their identities to be "two airmen who were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel," which is the name of the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan that's focused on training, advising and assisting Afghan security forces.
"They died of wounds suffered Aug. 26 when the vehicle they were traveling in was attacked near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan," the Defense Department said in a statement.
The first airman was identified as Capt. Matthew D. Roland, 27, of Lexington, Ky. He was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron in Hurlburt Field, Fla.
The second was identified as Staff Sgt. Forrest B. Sibley, 31, of Pensacola, Fla. He was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, N.C.
This is the second "green-on-blue attack" this year, which are assaults on foreign troops by members of the Afghan security forces or a gunman wearing an Afghan military uniform acting individually or as part of an organization.