Illinois Soldier Among 4 Killed, 16 Wounded in ‘Apparent' Suicide Bombing

The attack occurred as people were gathering for a post-Veterans Day fun run, NBC News reported

A downstate Illinois soldier was among four people killed and 16 wounded in Afghanistan over the weekend in an “apparent” suicide bombing, the Department of Defense announced Monday.

Pfc. Tyler Iubelt, 20, of Tamaroa, was killed Saturday at Bagram Airfield, the largest NATO military base in Afghanistan, from injuries sustained after an explosion, officials said. Reuters reported a Taliban suicide bomber was dressed as a laborer at the airfield and blew himself up. The news agency called the explosion “one of the bloodiest attacks against U.S. forces since President Barack Obama took office."

The attack occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time as people were gathering for a post-Veterans Day fun run, NBC News reported Saturday.

The suicide bomber chose the time and location because he "was looking for an opportunity to do the most damage," a senior U.S. military official told NBC News.

Staff Sgt. John W. Perry, 30, of Stockton, California was also killed in the attack in addition to two unidentified U.S. contractors. Sixteen other U.S. service members and a Polish soldier were wounded, according to the Department of Defense and a statement from Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

“I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of the fallen, and I want to reassure the loved ones of those injured that they are getting the best possible care,” Carter said. “Force protection is always a top priority for us in Afghanistan, and we will investigate this tragedy to determine any steps we can take to improve it. For those who carried out this attack, my message is simple. We will not be deterred in our mission to protect our homeland and help Afghanistan secure its own future.”

Bagram Airfield features several layers of security, including retinal scans. It was unclear how someone got into the base with a suicide vest, NBC News reported.

A pair of posts on Tamaroa Grade School’s Facebook page Monday lamented the loss and honored the life of Iubelt.

“The TGS family is deeply saddened today to learn of the loss of one of our alumni. Tyler Iubelt, TGS Class of 2011, was killed in an attack at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan while serving in the United States Army. We are so proud of him for his willingness to leave his family and community to serve our country; we mourn his loss and the loss felt by his family and friends,” one of the posts reads. “Tyler will be fondly remembered by his teachers and staff members at TGS for his quick wit and that twinkle he would get in his eyes when he flashed that grin at you! As with all our students, we loved him and wished him the best in life; he left us too soon. Godspeed Tyler. Your sacrifice will be remembered here at TGS.”

The Tamaroa Fire Department also posted on its Facebook page about the fallen soldier. The post received hundreds of comments from Facebook users offering their condolences to Iubelt’s family and thanking him for his service.

Iubelt entered the U.S. Army on Nov. 23, 2015, as a motor transport operator, according to a news release from Fort Hood Public Affairs. He was assigned to 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade since May 6, 2016. He deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel from September 2016 to November 2016.

Iubelt’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge, officials said.

Last month, a soldier from Fairview, Illinois was killed alongside a civilian contractor in Kabul.

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