U.S. soldier dies in central Iraq- army

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A U.S. serviceman died of non-combat related causes in central Iraq, the first U.S. casualty to be announced this month. “A Multi-National Division – Center Soldier died of non-combat related causes Nov. 5,” read a U.S. army statement received by IraqiNews.com. “The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and official release by the Department of Defense,” the statement added. The death brings the number of U.S. soldiers who have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003 to 4,191. A total of 14 troops died last month, while 25 soldiers died in September, including nine of non-combat related causes. Other 23 soldiers were killed in August 2008, in addition to 13 troops who were announced dead in July, the month with the lowest U.S. deaths. November 2004, which witnessed fierce battles between U.S. forces and armed groups in Falluja city, Anbar province, remains the month that witnessed the highest U.S. death toll with 137. April 2004 comes second with 135, followed by May 2007 during which 126 U.S. soldiers were killed. SS (S) 1