Marine killed in Anbar

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The U.S. Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Cpl. William C. Comstock, 21, of Van Buren, Ark., died April 22 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Anbar province, Iraq,” the department said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “The incident is under investigation,” it 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 4,276, including 13 in April 2009. 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. SH (P) 1