US general killed in Afghanistan is named

The Army identified the major general killed in Afghanistan Tuesday by an Afghan solider as Harold Greene, deputy commander of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Maj. Gen. Harold J. Greene’s family, and the families of our soldiers who were injured today in the tragic events that took place in Afghanistan,” said Gen. Ray Odierno, Army chief of staff, in a statement Tuesday.

Fifteen other troops were injured, including a German brigadier general, British troops and eight American troops, The Washington Post reported.

{mosads}”These soldiers were professionals, committed to the mission. It is their service and sacrifice that define us as an Army,” Odierno said.

Greene, 55, was an Army engineer, and previously served as deputy for acquisition and systems management at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army. 

He deployed to Afghanistan this year. He was commissioned as an Army engineer in 1980, following his graduation from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1980.

Greene is the highest-ranking member of the U.S. military to be killed in combat in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001. 

“We remain committed to our mission in Afghanistan and will continue to work with our Afghan partners to ensure the safety and security of all coalition soldiers and civilians,” Odierno added.

The shooting was the first “insider attack” or “green on blue attack” where Afghan soldiers turn on their trainers, in months. 

“Today’s tragic incident is a painful reminder that our servicemen and women are still serving and sacrificing in Afghanistan,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Tuesday. 

— Updated at 7:40 p.m.