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The U.S Army has ceased operational trials of its XM25 after the weapon "malfunctioned" in Afghanistan and caused a soldier minor injuries.

In a written statement release March 7, army spokesman Matt Bourke described the incident that occurred on February 2.

"An XM25 experienced a double feed and an unintentional primer ignition of one round. The Army subsequently removed all XM25 prototype weapons and ammunition from theater for root cause analysis and corrective action."

After already completing a 14-month battlefield evaluation, the XM25 Counter-Defilade Target Engagement System progressed to the early stages in a second assessment when primer ignition and double feed ensued during live-fire training.

XM25 Operational Trials Ceased

Due to safety mechanisms, the warhead didn't detonate during the 25mm high explosive burst round.

Thankfully, the soldier training with the weapon system was not seriously wounded by the incident - his superficial injuries were medically evaluated before he returned back to duty.

The XM25, dubbed the Punisher by some troops, has generated both skepticism and excitement within the infantry community.

Featuring a target acquisition system, with the push of a button the battlefield weapon can calculate the target range, and transfer data to the 25mm round's built in electronic fuse. When triggered the projectile peppers enemies with shrapnel by exploding immediately above targets up to 600 meters away.

Despite its boxy form, the XM25 is effective at engaging enemy fighters hidden behind short mud walls, according to the infantrymen who have fired it during combat. These walls are commonly found across Afghanistan.

Critics of the 14-pound weapon system describe it a more burden than benefit for combat units. In March, parts of 75th Ranger Regiment rejected the XM25 for an Afghanistan fortified enemy compound raid. According to sources close to the incident, the weapon system was too cumbersome and heavy for battlefield.

The XM25 will be further improved and refined through the development, manufacture and engineering stage. As yet, it is unclear how the latest incident will affect plans by program officials to start deploying the weapon system in the autumn of 2014.