Updated Dec 23, 2019

U.S. service member killed in Afghanistan

Rebecca Falconer

A US armored vehicle at COP Wilson in Sistani, Helmand Province, on May 9, 2011. — A U.S. armored vehicle in Afghanistan in 2011. Photo: Bay Ismoyo/AFP via Getty Images

A U.S. service member was "killed in action" in Afghanistan on Monday, a Defense Department statement said, per Stars and Stripes. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the "blast in the northern province of Kunduz," Reuters reports.

The big picture: 20 American troops who have been killed in combat operations in Afghanistan — the most in one year to die fighting militant groups there since 2014, "when the Pentagon euphemistically announced the 'end of combat operations," the New York Times notes.

The service member's death comes as the U.S. and the Taliban hold peace talks in Qatar.

What they're saying: "In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service member killed in action is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," the American military statement said.

Go deeper: U.S. and Taliban restart peace talks in Qatar

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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U.S. service member killed in Afghanistan

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