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U.S. Soldier Killed In Afghanistan


U.S. soldiers take up positions during an operation against IS militants in the Achin district of Nangarhar Province in April.
U.S. soldiers take up positions during an operation against IS militants in the Achin district of Nangarhar Province in April.

A U.S. soldier has been killed and several U.S. and Afghan soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan in an operation targeting Islamic State (IS) group militants, commanders say.

The death brought the number of U.S. soldiers killed in action in the country so far this year to 10, one above the tally for the whole of last year.

"One U.S. service member has died as a result of wounds suffered [on August 17] during a partnered operation with U.S. and Afghan forces in eastern Afghanistan," the U.S. military said in a statement on August 17.

"U.S. and Afghan forces were also injured during the operation aimed at further reducing Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan presence in Afghanistan," it said, referring to the IS group's regional affiliate.

The wounded were later evacuated for treatment, the statement added.

Earlier this month two U.S. soldiers were killed in Kandahar when a Taliban suicide bomber rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into their convoy.

The deaths come as President Donald Trump considers sending more troops to Afghanistan to help beat back a resurgent Taliban and an increasing IS presence.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP

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