Doug Stanglin

USATODAY

A U.S. service member died from wounds sustained in an explosion Saturday outside Mosul where coalition forces are trying to drive Islamic State militants out of their former stronghold, the U.S. military said.

Operation Inherent Resolve is the U.S.-led operation aimed at driving the Islamic State, also known ISIS, or ISIL, out of Iraq and Syria. The push into Mosul began in October, with government forces moving into eastern districts in November.

With ISIS forces virtually surrounded in the western districts, the campaign has turned into a grim, block-by-block fight, with militants using explosive devices, car bombs and rigged buildings to slow the advance of coalition forces.

The statement from Operation Inherent Resolve said the U.S. service member died of wounds sustained in an explosive device blast outside the city, but did not identify the victim or provide additional details on the incident.

The coalition involves the forces of more than 30 countries.