KABUL (BNO NEWS) — A U.S. soldier was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday as the country went to its second presidential and provincial council elections since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, officials said.

The soldier died as a result of a mortar attack that occurred in eastern Afghanistan, but further details were not immediately available.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with this service member’s loved ones as they grieve in this most difficult time,” said Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay, a spokesman for the NATO-led ISAF alliance. “His contribution to improve the conditions of the Afghan people was significant and we will never forget his sacrifice.”