A U.S. soldier from Utah was killed and two Idahoans were wounded last week in a battle with Islamic State militants in eastern Afghanistan.…
The soldier who was killed was 27-year-old Aaron Butler, of Monticello, Utah. According to the Associated Press, Butler was clearing a building when a booby trap exploded and killed him on Wednesday. Eleven other soldiers were wounded in the attack, including a native of Malad and a Boise resident.
According to KUTV, Wren Murray, who grew up in Malad, was among the soldiers who were injured.
Murray’s parents told KUTV that their son sustained a mild head injury and shrapnel wounds to his neck and arm.
The Idaho Statesman said that a Boise man was also injured in the attack. Capt. Dan Nelson sustained a concussion from the explosion. However, his mother, Daleen Nelson, said her son is expected to recover.
The 11 soldiers who were injured were evacuated for medical treatment.
According to the Associated Press, Islamic State militants have gained a foothold in recent years in Afghanistan, where they have battled U.S.-backed government forces as well as the more established Taliban.
The Islamic State affiliate largely consists of disgruntled former Taliban insurgents, and has clashed with the larger group over leadership and ideology.
A press release from the Utah National Guard said members of both the U.S. and Afghan militaries were on a mission in eastern Afghanistan to reduce Islamic State’s presence in the region.