The cache included a portable rocket launcher, a radio and grenades. The Pentagon said that it was "unfortunate" that Larson’s ID and equipment had been taken, but has denied reports that Larson himself had been captured.
"SPC Larson was attached to a unit conducting a partnered [operation] with Afghan Forces," said commander Ron Flesvig, a military spokesperson. "The soldier's ID and some of the equipment were left behind after the [operation]. The loss of personal identification is unfortunate."
Daesh did not reveal how they came into possession of the weapons and other materials, but it is thought that they were acquired during heavy fighting between the extremists and Afghan and US forces in Nangarhar in late July. Five Americans were wounded in that conflict, but Larson was not one of them. The Pentagon claims the soldier currently remains on active duty, and left his ID behind.
The Nangarhar Province is the nerve center for the Daesh affiliate in Afghanistan. Though the Afghan government claims to have all but wiped the group out, they’ve been described as being "operationally active."
