Seven American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan on Saturday, making it one of the deadliest days for the U.S. occupation in months. A NATO spokesperson confirmed the deaths of five soldiers in one of the two attacks.

Günter Katz: “It’s with deep regret that I have to inform you that today five American soldiers died following an attack with an improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan. It was a very difficult week for us. Like I said, every soldier who dies here in Afghanistan is one too many. But again, this will not have an effect on our overall campaign; we stay committed and will stay committed in this country to support the Afghans also in the future.”

The other two Americans were killed when an Afghan soldier opened fire on them in Farah province, the latest in a series of “insider attacks” by members of the Afghan forces.