U.S. servicemember killed by explosive in Afghanistan

A bugle player with the U.S. Forces Afghanistan Band plays taps during the TORQE 62 remembrance ceremony, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 2, 2016. The ceremony was held to honor and remember those lost when TORQE 62 crashed on Oct. 2, 2015. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Korey Fratini)

A U.S. military service member was killed in eastern Afghanistan today during a joint U.S.-Afghan counter-terrorism operation targeting ISIS in Afghanistan.

The service member, who has not been identified, died from injuries resulting from the blast of an improvised explosive device.

“The service member was killed conducting operations with Afghan forces when the patrol triggered an Improvised Explosive Device,” said the statement. “The mission was conducted as part of a larger United States-Afghan counter-terrorism mission targeting the Islamic State, Khorasan. An investigation is being conducted to determine the exact circumstances of the event.”

According to a statement from Resolute Support, the service member died during operations in the Achin District of Nangarhar Province.

“On behalf of all of U.S. Forces – Afghanistan, we are heartbroken by this loss and we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the service member,” said General John W. Nicholson, commander of USFOR-A. “Despite this tragic event, we remain committed to defeating the terrorists of the Islamic State, Khorasan Province and helping our Afghan partners defend their nation.”

The U.S. maintains 9,800 troops in Afghanistan as part of the Resolute Support training mission to help the Afghan military fight the Taliban, according to ABC news.

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