U.S. serviceman dies in northern Baghdad

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A U.S. airman died as a result of non-combat related causes in northern Baghdad, the U.S. Department of Defense said. “The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom,” according to a statement received by IraqiNews.com. “Staff Sgt. Brian P. Hause, 29, of Stoystown, Pa., died Oct. 23 of non-combat related medical causes at Balad Air Base, Iraq. He was assigned to the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C,” 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 4,187. A total of 11 troops died this month, while 25 soldiers died in September, including nine of non-combat related causes. Other 23 soldiers were killed in August 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 witnessed 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