Military

1 US Service Member Killed, 2 Injured In Afghanistan

Officials have confirmed that a U.S. service member was killed during a counterterrorism operation in southern Afghanistan. Two more were injured.

1 US Service Member Killed, 2 Injured In Afghanistan
Getty Images / John Moore
Article by Grant Suneson
SMS
January 5, 2016

An American service member was killed and two others were wounded in Afghanistan. Officials said they came under fire during a counterterrorism operation. Several Afghan forces were also reportedly wounded.

A military spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened by this loss. ... Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those involved."

Details of the incident are sparse, but the Pentagon confirmed it took place in the southern part of Afghanistan in the Marjah area of the Helmand province, a stronghold for the Taliban. 

A helicopter sent to retrieve casualties "sustained damage while on the ground" and the military is attempting to recover it, according to a U.S. official. 

The identities and service branch of those involved still have not been released.

This video includes an image from Getty Images.