MSgt. David L. Poirier, 52, of North Smithfield, R.I., died on Feb. 28 in a non-combat-related incident while deployed supporting US military operations in Afghanistan, announced the Pentagon on Monday. The cause of his death is under investigation, states the release. Poirier was a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Operations Support Squadron at Pease ANGB, N.H. San Diego’s KPBS public broadcasting station reported that Poirier had arrived at al Udeid AB, Qatar, the day prior to his death.
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.