U.S. army announces 1st casualty in April

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A U.S. serviceman has died as a result of non-combat related incident, the first U.S. casualty this month, according to an army statement. “A 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldier died as a result of non-combat related causes Apr. 3,” read the statement that was received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “The Soldier’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification and release by the Department of Defense,” the statement noted. 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 4,264. 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) 1