NYPD Detective Among Six US Troops Killed In Afghanistan Suicide Bombing

A New York Police Department officer was among six Americans killed in Monday in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan, the New York Daily News reported. NYPD Sgt. Joe Lemm died when an attacker drove a motorcycle equipped with explosives into an international patrol, authorities said.

Lemm was a detective in the Bronx, according to the department. Two other American soldiers and an interpreter were injured in the attacks, for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility, according to military officials. The NATO-Afghan convoy had been in a village near Bagram Airfield, a U.S. air base.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those affected in this tragic incident, especially during this holiday season,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William Shoffner said in a statement.

The attacks were the deadliest for American troops stationed in Afghanistan since six were killed in a July 2012 roadside bombing, NBC News reported.

The White House released a statement on the attack Monday, offering condolences to the families of those killed.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the six U.S. service members killed and to all of those injured in today’s Taliban attack near Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan,” the White House said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and their loved ones. The United States condemns this cowardly attack on members of the U.S. and Afghan forces, and we remain committed to supporting the Afghan people and their government. We will continue to work together to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, just as we will not relent in our mission to counter the threat of terrorism that plagues the region.”