According to a CJTF-Operation Inherent Resolve press release, a US service member was killed by an IED in Syria near Ayn Issa as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Details surrounding the event and the identity of the service member has not been released yet. More to follow.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter released this statement:

I am deeply saddened by the news on this Thanksgiving Day that one of our brave servicemembers has been killed in Syria while protecting us from the evil of ISIL. It is a painful reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face around the world to keep us safe. Please keep this service member’s family, friends and teammates in your thoughts and prayers, and this Thanksgiving I hope you will join me in expressing thanks to all of our dedicated troops who selflessly protect us everyday.

Image courtesy of Reuters