Smithville Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A 24-year-old central Texas soldier has been reported killed in combat in Afghanistan.

According to a Defense Department statement issued Tuesday, Sgt. Mario Rodriguez of Smithville, Texas, died Friday in Powrak, Afghanistan. The Pentagon attributes his death to wounds suffered when his unit came under small-arms and rocket-propelled-grenade fire from Afghan insurgents.

Rodriguez was assigned to the 264th Clearance Company, 27th (Combat) (Airborne) Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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