3 U.S. Soldiers Identified, Killed in Insider Attack in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Defense released the names of the three soldiers who were killed when an Afghan soldier opened fire on them while supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Officials say Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland; Sgt. William M. Bays, 29 of Barstow, California; and Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22 of Youngsville, North Carolina were killed in eastern Afghanistan.
 
Sources told CBN News the attack took place in the Achin district where U.S. special forces have been fighting alongside Afghan troops against Islamic State and Taliban militants.

The Pentagon confirmed that three U.S. troops had died in the attack and one soldier had been wounded.

They died June 10 in Peka Valley, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of gunshot wounds.
 
The incident is under investigation.

“When heroes fall, Americans grieve. And our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these American heroes,” said Vice-President Mike Pence over the weekend.

More than 8,000 US troops remain in Afghanistan.