U.S. soldier dies of non-combat incident in Diala

Iraq-U BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A U.S. soldier died as a result of a non-combat incident in Diala, upping to 15 the number killed this month, exceeding the number killed last month, the U.S. army in Iraq said on Tuesday. “A Multi-National Division – North Soldier died from a non-battle related cause in Diala province Nov. 24,” according to a U.S. army statement received by IraqiNews.com, giving no further details. The death brings the number of U.S. soldiers who have been reported killed in Iraq this month to 15, including ten in non-combat incidents, and to 4,205 the number killed since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. Fourteen U.S. troops died in October, seven of them from non-combat causes, 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 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. SH (S)/SR 1