The Pentagon today confirmed that a US general was killed in an attack in Afghanistan -- the highest-ranking American casualty since the 9/11 attacks.
"It's a terrible day. It's a terrible tragedy," Pentagon Spokesperson Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.
"I can... Confirm among the casualties was an American general officer who was killed," he said.
"We believe that the assailant was an Afghan soldier," Kirby said.
The Pentagon said the US general killed was "one of the highest-ranking" US military officers killed since 9/11".
The attack is believed to have been carried by a man, who was dressed as a soldier, who opened fire at an army training base outside Kabul.
The White House described it as a "painful reminder" of the service and sacrifice made by Americans in war-torn Afghanistan for more than a decade now.
The United States did not immediately disclose the rank and name of the American general shot down by an Afghan at a military base in Afghanistan.
US media reports said that the top ranking official was a two-star general during the attack at a military base, during which 15 others were injured, including a German general.
US President Barack Obama was briefed about the incident, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.
Following this, Obama spoke to General Joseph Dunford, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, about the tragic incident, he said.
Responding to questions, Earnest said an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact nature of the terrorist attack and who were behind this.
Noting that there is a detailed protocol in place, Earnest said this would be revisited and necessary changes would be made if required following the investigation on this incident is complete.
"There is an ongoing Department of Defence investigation into the incident," he said.
At the same time, Earnest said that there has been considerable decline in the number of attacks on US forces in Afghanistan of late. But this incident reminds every one of the services and sacrifices made by the US forces in Afghanistan, he said.
Noting that Afghanistan is a dangerous place, the White House Press Secretary said quite a considerable progress has been made in this war torn country, but a lot needs to be achieved.
Earnest exuded confidence that the new Afghan President, to be sworn in after the counting of votes is complete, would sign the bilateral security agreement (BSA) as soon as possible.
