One Croatian service member died and two more were injured in an attack on a military vehicle that took place early on Wednesday morning in the Afghan capital of Kabul, Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic confirmed in an emergency press conference.

All three were transferred to the nearby US-run hospital in Bagram. One of the soldiers was in life-threatening condition and he succumbed to his injuries around noon. The other two, who sustained arm and leg injuries in the blast, are in stable condition.

“This is an isolated attack, and the rest of the Croatian contingent is safe,” Krsticevic said.

The attack happened at around 8 am as the troops were driving towards the nearby camp, when a three-wheeled motor vehicle drove into one of the three armoured vehicles in the convoy.

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.

Croatian troops have been deployed in Afghanistan as part of NATO missions since 2003, and this is the first casualty in their 16-year presence there. 

“All our troops deployed to Afghanistan are there to contribute as advisors and mentors, they are not taking part in military operations. They're there to help with organising Afghan security forces, which makes this attack difficult to understand,” said vice admiral Robert Kranj.

“The soldiers are receiving maximum medical care, and as soon as their condition allows they will be transported back home,” Kranj added.

“We strongly condemn this attack on Croatian soldiers who are contributing in peace missions worldwide. The Croatian Army will continue to fight for democratic values, peace, and global stability,” Krsticevic said.