Marine killed in Afghanistan operation

One Marine has been killed and several others have been injured or wounded so far in Operation Khanjar, Marine officials say.

Almost 4,000 Marines and sailors from MEB - Afghanistan, along with more than 600 Afghan national security forces, are currently operating in the districts of Nawa and Garmsir in central Helmand province MEB forces are operating as far south as the vicinity of Khan Neshin, the capital of Rig district in the region of the Helmand River valley known as "The Fishhook," according to information from the Marine Corps.

Marine officials say U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers and police are continuing clearing operations in key population centers along the Helmand River valley in an effort to secure the local population from the threat of Taliban and other insurgent intimidation and violence. 

MEB-Afghanistan is a subordinate unit of NATO's International Security Assistance Force. The combined U.S. and Afghan mission is to provide security for population centers along the Helmand River valley and connect local citizens with their legitimate government while establishing stable and secure conditions for national elections scheduled for August as well as enhanced security for the future.

The names of the fatality and the wounded are being withheld until notification of next of kin. Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan has not confirmed any civilian casualties or damage to property.