Soldier from Northern California killed in Afghanistan

A U.S. Army soldier from Northern California has been killed in Afghanistan in an attack that also killed a young diplomat, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday.

Spec. Delfin M. Santos Jr., 24, of San Jose was killed Saturday when the vehicle in which he was riding was attacked by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

Also killed were three other soldiers, a civilian employee and Anne Smedinghoff, 25, who was delivering books to a school in Zabul province.

Santos was a cavalry scout assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Ft. Stewart, Ga. He was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

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tony.perry@latimes.com