U.S. serviceman dies in eastern Baghdad

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: One U.S. soldier has been killed in an attack in eastern Baghdad, raising the number of U.S. casualties in April 2009 to 12, according to the U.S. army. “A Multi-National Division–Baghdad Soldier died April 22 from combat related injuries while conducting a patrol in eastern Baghdad. The Soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin,” read a U.S. army statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “MND-B will not release any additional details prior to notification of next of kin and official release by the DoD,” it noted. “The incident is currently under investigation,” 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 4,275. A total of 486 U.S. troops were killed in 2003, while 849 died in 2004. Other 846 troops were killed in 2005, and 822 soldiers in 2006. 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. SS (S) 1