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1 US soldier killed, 2 injured in Afghanistan

by IBNS 05 Jan 2016, 07:16 pm

Kabul/Washington, Jan 6 (IBNS): A U.S. service member was killed and two others were injured after they came under fire in Afghanistans Helmand province, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

Defence Secretary Ash Carter was updated throughout the day on the situation, including through a previously scheduled video conference with commanders in the Afghan capital of Kabul, Cook said at a news conference as quoted by the defense.gov.

"His thoughts and prayers are with the family members of those injured and killed in this situation," Cook was quoted as saying by defense.gov.

The U.S. forces came under fire in Marjah while conducting a “train, advise and assist” mission with their Afghan special operations counterparts on the ground, Cook said.

Spokesman for U.S. Forces Afghanistan has condoled on behalf of Army Gen. John F. Campbell, the commander of the Resolute Support mission and of U.S. Forces Afghanistan.

"We are deeply saddened by this loss," Army Brig. Gen. Wilson A. Shoffner was quoted as saying by the website.

 "On behalf of Gen. Campbell and all of [U.S. Forces Afghanistan], our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those involved," Shoffner said.