U.S. casualties in May reach 20

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: One U.S. serviceman on Wednesday was killed when an explosive device targeted his vehicle in the capital Baghdad, raising the number of U.S. fatalities in May 2009 to 20. “A Multi-National Division–Baghdad Soldier died of combat-related injuries after an improvised explosive device detonated near a patrol in eastern Baghdad May 27,” according to a U.S. army statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “The Soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin,” 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 4,302. 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 (P)/SR 1