Two U.S. Soldiers Killed In Afghan Base Attack

U.S. marines watch a U.S. helicopter gunship after landing to join the U.S. contingent at Camp Bastion in the southern Helmand Province. (file photo)

Two U.S. marines have been killed and several other troops wounded in an insurgent attack on a British air base in southern Afghanistan.

U.S. officials said 16 Taliban fighters were also killed in the assault on Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Prince Harry, third in line to the British throne, is stationed at the base on a four-month combat tour.

British officials said he was not hurt in the attack.

Officials said insurgents had used mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as small arms fire.

A number of aircraft were damaged in the attack, officials said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was in response to a film that insults the Prophet Muhammad.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP