WASHINGTON – A US special operations soldier has been killed in a bombblast in Afghanistan s Helmand province, the Pentagon said Monday.

According to a statement, Staff Sergeant Reymund Rarogal Transfiguraciondied Sunday after an improvised explosive device detonated near him whilehe was conducting combat patrol operations.

The 36-year-old from Hawaii was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st SpecialForces Group.

Officials said the incident was under investigation.

While Afghan security forces are conducting most of the fighting againstthe Taliban and other insurgent groups, US troops operate alongside them ina training capacity and are frequently on the front lines. -APP/AFP