White House condolences for US troops

The White House has sent its condolences to the loved ones of the six US troops killed in a suicide blast near the Bagram air base in Afghanistan.

US Army soldiers stand with Afghan policemen before a joint patrol of Qalanderkhail, outside of Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. Source: AAP

The White House has expressed its condolences to the families of six US troops killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan and says the United States remains committed to supporting the Afghan people and their government.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and their loved ones," the White House said in a statement.

The six Americans were killed on Monday when a suicide bomber on a motorbike struck their patrol near Bagram air base, a US official said, in the latest high-profile attack claimed by Taliban insurgents.

NATO spokesman Brigadier General Wilson A. Shoffner earlier confirmed the soldiers died during a joint coalition and Afghan force patrol in the Bagram district of Parwan province.