MAKHMUR , Iraq, March 19 (UPI) -- An American Marine who was part of the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State was killed in Iraq when an enemy rocket struck a base in the town of Makhmur.
Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook confirmed the death and said the marine was "providing force protection fire support at a recently established coalition fire base near Makhmur in northern Iraq."
The causality was not identified, as next of kin are still awaiting notification. Cook added that several other Marine's were also wounded in the strike and were being treated for "varying injuries."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the service members involved, their families and their coalition teammates who will continue the fight against ISIL with resolve and determination," Cook said in a statement.
USA Today reported a second rocket also hit the base, but it didn't cause any damage or casualties.
"[Combined Joint Task Force] extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of the Coalition service member killed in northern Iraq earlier today," Col. Christopher Garver, a spokesman for the task force, said Saturday on Twitter.
This death represents the first U.S. service member to be killed since Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler was killed by small arms fire while supporting an attempt to free 70 hostages held by the Islamic state in October.
