According to a statement, Staff Sergeant Reymund Rarogal Transfiguracion died Sunday after an improvised explosive device detonated near him while he was conducting combat patrol operations.

The 36-year-old from Hawaii was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group.

Officials said the incident was under investigation.

While Afghan security forces are conducting most of the fighting against the Taliban and other insurgent groups, US troops operate alongside them in a training capacity and are frequently on the front lines.