(FORT STEWART, Ga.) - The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died April 6, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit in Zabul, Afghanistan, with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Ward, 24, of Oak Ridge, Tenn. A cavalry scout, Staff Sgt. Ward joined the Army in November 2005 and arrived at the unit in October 2006. He was on his third deployment.

Spc. Wilbel A. Robles-Santa, 25, of Juncos, Puerto Rico. A cavalry scout, Spc. Robles-Santa, joined the Army in October 2010 and arrived at the unit in February 2011. He was on his second deployment.

Spc. Deflin M. Santos Jr., 24, of San Jose, Calif. A cavalry scout, Spc. Santos joined the Army in February 2007 and arrived at the unit in May 2011. He was on his second deployment.