A U.S. service member was killed in Syria on Thanksgiving after suffering wounds from an improvised explosive device.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter issued a statement Thursday on the first American loss of life in the war-ravaged nation since a special operations forces raid in 2015.
The blast occurred in the city of Ayn Issa, which is located roughly 30 miles north of the Islamic State group’s stronghold of Raaqaa.
“I am deeply saddened by the news on this Thanksgiving Day that one of our brave service members has been killed in Syria while protecting us from the evil” of the Islamic State, Mr. Carter said, CNN reported. “It is a painful reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face around the world to keep us safe.”
Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force for Operation Inherent Resolve, said the identity of the service member will not be disclosed until the next of kin is notified.
“The entire counter-ISIL coaltion sends our condolences to this hero’s family, friends and teammates,” the officer said.
SEE ALSO: Pentagon mum on exact figures of U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria for ISIS fight
The U.S. Force Management Level for the global fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has fluctuated between 6,000 and 10,000 personnel since this summer. That number includes a population of temporary personnel that hovered at about 900 in August.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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