Coalition Soldier Killed in Afghanistan; DoD Identifies Previous Casualty

The coalition soldier was killed in Afghanistan's Paktika province after his patrol received small-arms fire from a group of extremists. Officials did not identify the soldier's nationality.

During the course of the firefight, a 10-year-old Afghan girl was wounded and transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment. She has undergone surgery and is currently in stable condition, U.S. military officials said.

"The tragic loss of our soldier, who paid the ultimate price for helping to provide freedom for others, will not be forgotten," said Army Brig. Gen. Douglas A. Pritt, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix. "Our hearts and our prayers go out to his family and fellow comrades. We also pray for the quick recovery of the little girl injured in the attack."

Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified a soldier who died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Army Spc. Kyle R. Miller, 19, of Willmar, Minn., died June 29 in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy. Miller was assigned to the Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment, New Ulm, Minn.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan and Defense Department news releases.)