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BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2005 – A U.S. servicemember was killed by an improvised explosive device near the Pakistani border southeast of Gayan, Afghanistan, today.
Another U.S. servicemember, two Afghan servicemembers and an Afghan civilian were injured in the explosion. The troops were traveling in an up-armored Humvee while conducting offensive operations to prevent enemy activity in the area when the device detonated, officials said. Those injured were evacuated by air to a nearby forward operating base for treatment. All were reported to be in stable condition, officials said. "Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our fallen comrade," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Iuniasolua Savusa, the senior enlisted soldier in Combined Joint Task Force 76. "It is a terrible toll. These devices injure not only coalition forces trying to keep peace and ensure the safety of the Afghan people, but the Afghan people as well. "We strive daily to ensure that these devices do not harm our forces or innocent civilians," Savusa continued. "Our medical professionals are doing everything they can to ensure that those wounded in the attack receive only the best care." The name and unit of the deceased servicemember is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. (From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)
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