Sgt. Jasper Obakrairur, 26, of Hilo was killed on June 1 after an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Nerkh, Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced today.

Obakrairur was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, NY. He was one of four members of the division killed in roadside blasts in Nerkh that day; five others were wounded.

Obabrairur's death is the latest in what has been a bloody year for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Through the first five months of the year, the number of U.S. deaths increased 66 percent over the previous year, according to an Associated Press study. So far this month, five U.S. troops, including Obakrairur, have been killed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Obakrairur joined the Army in March 2004 and served at Fort Drum since August 2004.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

Obakrairur was also a graduate of the Combat Life Savers Course and Warrior Leader Course among others. He had previously deployed to Afghanistan from January 2006 to May 2007.

Obakrairur is survived by his mother, father and sister.