US commando killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. commando has been killed in Afghanistan after being hit by a roadside bomb while on patrol with Afghan forces in a northeastern province bordering Pakistan, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

U.S. special operations forces have been conducting counterterror operations with Afghan troops against Islamic State militants in Achin, Nangarhar province. The U.S. military said the service member died Tuesday from wounds sustained when the patrol triggered an improvised explosive device. The commando's identity has not yet been released, pending notification of family.

"Despite this tragic event, we remain committed to defeating the terrorists of the Islamic State, Khorasan Province," Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said. He was referring to the Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan.

Peter Cook, Pentagon press secretary, said the service member was on foot patrol when the forces hit the roadside bomb.

The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes near Achin. Last week Afghan officials said a U.S. airstrike hit a house, killing civilians. The U.S. has said it's looking into the incident.

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