IED kills U.S. soldier in Basra

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: One U.S. soldier was killed in a bomb explosion in Basra in southern Iraq, the U.S. army said in a statement on Monday. “A Multi-National Division – South Soldier died when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle in the Basra Province at approximately 2 p.m. May 10,” said the statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “The Soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin,” it added. The death brings to 4,293 the number of U.S. soldiers who have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. Eleven U.S. solders have been so far killed in May. Fifteen soldiers were killed in April 2009. A total of 486 U.S. troops were killed in 2003, while 849 died in 2004. Another 846 troops were killed in 2005, and 822 soldiers in 2006. The year 2007 remains the year that saw the highest U.S. death toll with 904. 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. SH (S)/SR 1