An American soldier from Tompkins County was killed in Afghanistan earlier this week.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Sgt. James G. Johnston, 24, of Trumansburg, died as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations on Tuesday.

Johnston was assigned to the 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 71st Ordnance Group in Fort Hood, Texas.

Also killed in the incident was Sgt. Michael B. Riley, of Germany.

The incident is under investigation.