The US embassy in Zagreb issued a statement of condolence on Wednesday after an attack on a car carrying Croatian soldiers in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul had killed one and injured two other servicemen.

“The U.S. Embassy community was saddened to hear of the Croatian soldier who was killed while serving in Afghanistan, and of the injuries to two other Croatian soldiers. The United States extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family and friends of the Croatian soldier whose life was taken in a shameful attack. We wish those injured a swift and full recovery,” the embassy said.

All three Croatian soldiers were transferred to the nearby US-run hospital in Bagram. One of the soldiers who was in life-threatening condition had succumbed to his injuries around noon, with other two reportedly in stable condition.

“For nearly twenty years, the United States and Croatia have stood together with our NATO Allies in fighting terrorism as part of Operation Resolute Support and previous missions in Afghanistan. Today, we stand together in grief, and in gratitude for the bravery of the men and women who risk their lives to make the world a safer place. We are grateful for our strong and enduring security partnership with Croatia and stand ready to assist at this difficult time,” the embassy added in a press release.

Croatian military personnel is stationed in Afghanistan as part of Resolute Support, a NATO-led mission which provides training, assistance, and advice to Afghan security units and institutions in conflict with extremist groups. The mission, which began in January 2015, consists of more than 13,000 troops, with Croatia contributing with around 100 soldiers.

This was the first Croatian casualty in Afghanistan since the country’s troops were first deployed there as part of NATO missions in 2003.