This news was just released from the International Security Assistance Force, NATO’s command in Afghanistan:
“„Two International Security Assistance Force service members were reported missing Nov. 4 from a routine resupply mission in western Afghanistan. Afghan and coalition forces are currently involved in an extensive search for the service members.
“„“We continue exhaustive search and rescue operations to locate our missing service members. We are doing everything we can to find them,”
said ISAF Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jane Campbell. “The families of these service members have been notified about their loved ones’ status, and
we will continue to keep them informed as information becomes available.”
“„It is ISAF policy to not release the nationality of any missing service member before the relevant national authority does so.
“„Further information is being withheld while the search and rescue operations continue and while the incident is investigated.
There were some complaints about media double standards after news organizations, including this one, declined to report the Taliban kidnapping of New York Times reporter David Rohde. Since NATO has released this information, I consider it fit to report. But if I independently come across additional information that could reasonably considered hazardous to the lives of these soldiers or the success of the search and rescue mission, I will not report it.
Update: Another grim release from ISAF:
“„During a joint operation in western Afghanistan today, initial reports indicate more than 25 ISAF and Afghan National Security Force members were wounded. Members of the joint force were searching for two missing U.S. Army soldiers.
“„The wounded service members were initially treated on the scene and subsequently flown to an ISAF medical facility for further treatment.
“„“We are committed to taking every measure possible to rescue or recover our missing service members. We continue to do everything we can to find them,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, IJC spokesperson.
“„Operations are ongoing, and further information will be released when it is appropriate.