Two U.S. soldiers die in non-combat related incident

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The U.S. army in Iraq said on Friday that two of its soldiers died in non-combat related incidents on Thursday and Wednesday in central and western Iraq. “A Multi-National Force – West Marine died as the result of a non-combat related incident here Nov. 19,” said the army in a statement received by IraqiNews.com. “A Multi National Division – Center Soldier died of non-combat related causes Nov. 20,” the army said in another statement. The deaths bring the number of U.S. soldiers who have been reported killed in Iraq this month to 13, including eight in non-combat incidents, and to 4,203 the number killed since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. Fourteen U.S. troops died in October, seven of them of non-combat causes, 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 saw 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. SH (S) 1