Posted on 06/14/2011 7:55:46 AM PDT by Graneros
BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military says two American soldiers have been killed while conducting operations in southern Iraq. Tuesday's statement didn't give details on the operations, saying only the two were killed Monday. They were not identified pending notification of next of kin. The new deaths bring to 4,462 the number of American service members who have died in Iraq since the war began in 2003, according to an Associated Press count. And it brings to eight the number of U.S. troops killed in June so far. Shiite Muslim militias have stepped up attacks on U.S. forces with the approach of the year-end withdrawal of all American troops. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. BAGHDAD (AP) - Attackers set off two car bombs next to a government compound Tuesday, then opened fire and took an unknown number of hostages, Iraqi officials said. Eight people were killed in the assault. There were conflicting reports about whether the situation had been brought under control in Baqouba, which was once an al-Qaida in Iraq stronghold. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but the complex attack bore the hallmarks of the insurgent group. Gunmen first set off two car bombs near a gate protecting the government compound in Baqouba, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad, said Samira al-Shibli, a spokeswoman for the Diyala provincial council. The compound houses buildings including the provincial council headquarters and the governor's office. Two officials with the Diyala Operations Command said at least some of the gunmen made their way into the compound and one of the officials said the gunmen took hostages. .
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.myway.com ...
Rest in peace brave soldiers.
Prayers for the families.
Where’s that smart ass Gates now? Probably with his editor finishing the chapter “I’M REALLY GREAT!”
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