Attackers in Afghanistan wore US uniforms

An armoured vehicle patrols on the periphery of Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan, in this January, 2007 file photo.

Coalition military authorities in Afghanistan say the insurgents who attacked a British airfield in south-western Afghanistan on Friday, killing two US Marines, wore US Army uniforms and destroyed six Harrier fighter jets.

They said in a statement on Saturday that about 15 insurgents carried out the attack, describing the attack was well coordinated by the insurgents who were “well equipped, trained and rehearsed.” Fourteen of the 15 were killed. One was captured.

They said attackers penetrated the base’s perimeter and were armed with automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and suicide vests. Besides destroying six planes, they destroyed three refuelling stations on the base and damaged six aircraft hangars.

Coalition authorities have not yet identified the two Marines killed. Eight military members and one civilian contractor were also injured in the assault.