FINAL UPDATE: 16 insurgents killed and 5 detained after a targeted attack against Bagram

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Sixteen insurgents were killed and five detained after an estimated 30-40 militants launched an attack on the outer perimeter of Bagram Airfield during the early morning hours of May 19.

During the attack, Coalition forces and Afghan National Police provided an immediate joint response maintaining security on Bagram Airfield, blocking the insurgents’ ability to completely breach the perimeter of the base, Wednesday.

Army helicopters, responsible for providing aerial security during the attack, engaged multiple insurgents outside Bagram Airfield.

Coalition forces killed four intended suicide bombers dressed in U.S. military style uniforms before they could detonate themselves.  Additionally, an enemy mortar pit set up outside the perimeter was successfully destroyed.

Following the attack, the Afghan National Police and Coalition forces detained five suspected militants Thursday morning after performing a presence and security patrol in a nearby village.

One U.S. contractor was killed, several service members were wounded and a building received minor damages during the attack. 

Three of the wounded were returned to duty, while all others are currently in stable condition.  The name of the deceased is being withheld pending next of kin notification.