KABUL (BNO NEWS) — A U.S. soldier was killed while on patrol in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, officials said.

The patrol was first struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) and then attacked with small arms fire by insurgents, a statement from the NATO-led ISAF alliance read. The patrol responded to the attack but a U.S. soldier was killed in the engagement.

“We grieve today for the sad loss of another courageous and hard-working ISAF member,” said Brigadier-General Eric Tremblay, a spokesman for ISAF. “I extend my most heartfelt sympathies to the family members, friends and comrades of this dedicated serviceman.”