US service member killed in blast near Iraqi city of Mosul

A US service member has died from wounds sustained in the blast today of an explosive device outside the Iraqi city of Mosul, military officials reported.
A statement from the US Central Command, which oversees military activities in Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, did not identify the victim. It said further details would be forthcoming.
US casualties in Iraq dropped to near zero after most American troops were withdrawn in 2011, but rose again to 17 last year, and seven so far this year with the latest death, according to the iCasualties.Org website, which tracks coalition deaths and injuries.

US forces have taken part, mostly in an advisory capacity, since last October in a hard-fought, multinational effort to wrest control of Mosul from the Islamic State group.
The United Nations estimates that more than half a million civilians have fled Mosul since the offensive on the country's second city began.
The jihadists are expected to make a bloody last stand in Mosul's Old City, where an estimated 4,00,000 civilians remain trapped.