One US service member was killed and two wounded in an operation near Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province, a NATO defence official said Tuesday.
"We are deeply saddened by this loss," said Brigadier General Wilson A. Shoffner, a spokesman for the NATO mission in Afghanistan, adding "our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those involved".
NATO added the US troops were conducting a mission in support of their Afghan counterparts.
Helmand is a traditional stronghold of Taliban insurgents.
Afghan troops were also wounded Tuesday during the special forces mission in Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province, a US defense official said.
A military helicopter that landed at the scene to carry out medical evacuations was grounded after a mortar exploded nearby. Crews were inspecting it for damage.
Colonel Michael Lawhorn, a military spokesman for the NATO mission in Afghanistan, confirmed a US helicopter had landed in Marjah and was experiencing "mechanical problems."
"It was not shot down," he said.
A second defense official, again speaking on condition of anonymity, said the affected helicopter is a UH-60 Black Hawk.
