Kerry mourns death of 25-year-old diplomat in Afghanistan – 1st killed in job since Benghazi

ISTANBUL – Secretary of State John Kerry is mourning the first death of an American diplomat on the job since last year’s Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic installation in Benghazi, Libya.

Anne Smedinghoff, 25, was one of six Americans killed in an attack Saturday in Afghanistan.

Smedinghoff, an Illinois resident, was on her second tour in Afghanistan after returning last summer. She aided Kerry on his visit there last month.

Visiting Istanbul, a clearly emotional Kerry told consulate workers on Sunday that Smedinghoff stood for everything America stands for.

He says she died trying to make a difference by providing young Afghans with education.

Smedinghoff previously served in Venezuela.