U.S. soldier killed, 2 hurt in Afghanistan attack

WASHINGTON -- One U.S. service member was killed, and two were wounded in hourslong fighting Tuesday in southern Afghanistan, where Taliban insurgents have made recent inroads.

The fighting, which reflects efforts by the U.S. and its Afghan partners to push back against Taliban gains, was near the city of Marja, Helmand province, that shares a border with Pakistan. The Taliban in recent weeks focused their efforts on retaking parts of Helmand, and the U.S. has countered with U.S. special-operations forces working with Afghan troops.

Details on the battle were sketchy.

"There is still a fight going on," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said hours after the casualties were reported. "We don't yet have all the details surrounding what has taken place."

He said Defense Secretary Ash Carter was being briefed on the situation by commanders in Afghanistan, but many key details were unclear. Cook said two U.S. helicopters were sent to the scene to provide medical evacuation for the U.S. casualties but could not complete the mission.

One was waved off after taking fire and returned safely to its base, he said. The other landed safely but was unable to take off because its rotor struck a wall.

Cook said he could not say more about the three U.S. casualties.

"We are deeply saddened by this loss," said Brig. Gen. Wilson A. Shoffner, a spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Speaking for Gen. John Campbell, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Shoffner said, "our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those involved."