Local Marine Killed in Afghanistan

Honolulu (MyFOXla.com) - The Pentagon says a Hawaii-based Marine was killed Saturday in Afghanistan.

Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Whittle, of Downey, Calif., died in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. There were no further details about the death.

The 20-year-old Whittle was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, at Kaneohe Bay.

Helmand is home to a rapidly expanding base for 7,000 U.S. Marines. They are preparing to push deeper into the region, an insurgent stronghold and a haven for violent criminals controlling a massive opium-poppy industry.

Insurgents also are crossing into the province from Pakistan.

Some 3,000 Marines are already deployed elsewhere in the province.

You can watch Hal Eisner's report in the video player.