Fairbanks-Based Stryker Soldier Killed in Afghanistan, 7 Others Wounded

The attack was the second fatal attack on the brigade since the deployment began.

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By Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Story Created: Jun 3, 2011 at 10:00 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 3, 2011 at 10:00 AM AKDT

FAIRBANKS — One Fairbanks-based soldier was killed and seven were injured when a roadside bomb hit a vehicle in Zabul Province, Afghanistan on Thursday, according to a news release issued by U.S. Army Alaska.

The soldiers are members of the 4,000-member 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, which last month began a yearlong deployment in the country to support the Afghan government, train Afghan soldiers and provide security.

The attack was the second fatal attack on the brigade since the deployment began. On May 15, a roadside bomb killed four soldiers — three from the 1st Stryker Brigade — patrolling in a Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected Vehicle.

Thursday’s attack occurred while the troops were on patrol in a lighter, eight-wheeled Stryker vehicle. It occurred in the town of Shah Joy, northeast of the regional capital of Kandahar about 7 p.m. Afghanistan time, which is 12 1/2 hours ahead of Alaska Daylight Time.

The Army is withholding the name of the soldier who was killed until 24 hours after the soldier’s family has been notified. 

Before this deployment, the Stryker brigade deployed twice to Iraq.

The soldiers are arriving for this deployment at the beginning of the fighting season, when insurgent violence is generally highest because of the agricultural calendar and the opening of snowbound mountain passes. 

Contact staff writer Sam Friedman at 459-7545.

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