Iraq’s Killing Fields: More US Soldiers Die
“A suicide car bomber struck a US military outpost north of Baghdad yesterday, killing nine soldiers and wounding 20, in the deadliest attack on American forces in 16 months,” reports The Australian.
“The bomber exploded his vehicle against a patrol base in the restive province of Diyala. The deaths raised to 85 the number of US service members who have died in Iraq in April, making it the deadliest month for American troops since December, when 112 died.
“The attack was the bloodiest against American soldiers since December 1, 2005, when 10 US marines were killed and 11 wounded by a roadside bomb on the outskirts of Fallujah.
“Twelve soldiers died when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Diyala on January 20. The military said it might have been shot down but the investigation is still ongoing.
“With the US casualty toll mounting, Democratic leaders in Washington agreed yesterday on legislation that requires the first American combat troops to be withdrawn from Iraq by October, with the goal of a complete pullout six months later.
“President George W. Bush has vowed to veto any such measure…”
