PHILLIPS -- Sgt. Richard K. Parker died after the vehicle in which he was riding in Iraq struck a sophisticated improvised explosive device, or IED, during a routine security detail, a Maine National Guard spokesman said.

"They were just doing their convoy security," Capt. Shanon Cotta said Saturday, "a force protection operation that they have normally done."

Military authorities had not previously disclosed the cause of Parker's death, which occurred Wednesday.

Cotta said IEDs apparently have become more lethal, designed to have an explosive force that is more concentrated and therefore more potent than initial ones encountered by U.S. soldiers.

He said military authorities have yet to release a more detailed account of the fatal incident.

Cotta said he also is still awaiting word on when Parker's body will arrive in Maine as well as any information regarding a memorial services and funeral.

He said he expects more information about Parker will be released Monday.

Parker, 26, was a member of the Maine Army Nation Guard's Battery A, Ist Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment out of Waterville. He had been serving with Security Force II element.

He is the 34th Maine soldier killed in the ongoing war against terrorism.

Parker apparently had been scheduled to have leave in August, at which time he had planned to come to see his girlfriend and the son born to them in January, according to a relative.

Parker is a graduate of Mt. Abram High School in Salem.

Colin Hickey -- 861-9205

chickey@centralmaine.com