NATO service member killed by small arms fire in southern Afghanistan

NATO service member killed in southern Afghanistan

KABUL — NATO says a coalition service member has been killed in the Taliban-dominated Afghan south.

The alliance said its fighter was killed Tuesday by small arms fire but would not identify the nationality or give further details.

However, spokesman Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin said the death was not related to the ongoing Marjah offensive in the southern province of Helmand. American and Afghan forces cleared the Taliban-held area after a two-week offensive and are now working to secure the former insurgent stronghold.

Tuesday’s death came a day after six NATO troops died in separate attacks across Afghanistan, a grim beginning to March. A total of 49 international troops died in Afghanistan last month.