A U.S. service member was killed and another wounded in an IED blast in Afghanistan, Pentagon officials said in a press release issued early Tuesday. Army officials told The Daily Beast that the felled service member was special forces. The casualties occured during “train, advise, assist” operations in Helmand Province, and six Afghan soldiers were also injured when their patrol triggered the explosive. An investigation is underway. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of those involved,” said Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander of USFOR-A. “We are deeply saddened by this loss, but remain committed to helping our Afghan partners provide a brighter future for themselves and their children.” The Department of Defense will not identify the soldier until family members have been notified.

— Nancy Youssef