PRESS RELEASE | Aug. 18, 2017
DOD IDENTIFIES U.S. CASUALTY FROM NANGARHAR PROVINCE
USFOR A Public Affairs

2017-08-18-01
USFOR-A Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan (August 18, 2017) – One U.S. service member was killed Wednesday as the result of wounds received following the detonation of an improvised explosive device Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Rhett Butler, 27, of Monticello, Utah, died August 16 in Achin District of Nangarhar Province.

SSG Butler was a special forces engineer assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group of the Utah Army National Guard, based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Two U.S. service members remain under medical care. Fourteen injured U.S. service members were medically evaluated, treated and released.

“On behalf of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, our loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to SSG Butler’s family and loved ones. The wounded U.S. and Afghan service members are receiving the best medical care possible and we are keeping them and their families in our thoughts and prayers,” said Gen. John Nicholson, Commander, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan. “Despite this tragic event, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continue our campaign to defeat of ISIS-K so they are no longer a threat to the people of Afghanistan and our coalition.”

More information will be released as appropriate.

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USFOR-A Public Affairs Office