Remains of soldier killed in Afghanistan returned to U.S.

The remains of a soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan on Monday have been returned to the U.S., arriving at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, the Department of Defense confirmed on Wednesday.  

The Pentagon identified the soldier as 33-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Michael Goble, who was from Washington Township, N.J. 

National security adviser Robert O’Brien and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were among U.S. officials in attendance at the Christmas Day transfer of the case containing the remains to a vehicle from the aircraft, the AP reported.

A spokesperson for the Department of Defense was not immediately available for comment.  

Goble was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the roadside bombing in northern Kunduz that killed Goble. The Pentagon is investigating that claim.

Goble is the 20th fatality in Afghanistan this year, in what has been the deadliest year for U.S. troops in the country since 2014.

The U.S. has been negotiating with the Taliban on an agreement that could end the longest war in U.S. history.