2 deaths raise U.S. casualties in Dec. to 14

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Two U.S. servicemen were killed in two separate incidents in Iraq, brining up the number of U.S. casualties throughout the current month to 14, the U.S. army said on Wednesday. “A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died from wounds sustained during a mortar attack in Baghdad Dec. 31,” read a U.S. army statement received by IraqiNews.com. “A U.S. Soldier died, Dec. 31, in Balad, Iraq from injuries sustained during combat operations, Dec. 30,” according to another army statement. The deaths bring the number of U.S. soldiers who have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003 to 4,221. Seventeen U.S. troops died in November, 10 of them of non-combat causes, while 14 soldiers died in October, including seven of non-combat related causes. Other 25 soldiers were killed in September 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. SS (S) 1