2 U.S. soldiers die trying to clear explosives in Iraq
Reuters News Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Two U.S. soldiers were killed and six were wounded today while trying to clear explosives in northern Iraq, the U.S. military said.
The explosion occurred near the city of Sinjar, 250 miles north of Baghdad, the top U.S. military spokesman in Iraq said.
"It was an accident. It happened during ordnance disposal, not an attack," said Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt.
In another incident, four U.S. soldiers were wounded while investigating a roadside bomb near Baquba, 40 miles north of Baghdad, a spokesman for the Army's 4th Infantry Division said.
Master Sgt. Robert Cargie said one soldier was injured as he approached a roadside bomb that was believed to be inactive. The bomb exploded when the soldier was 30 feet away, Cargie said.
"As the others on the scene attempted to evacuate the wounded soldier, a second improvised explosive device detonated, wounding three more," Cargie said.
The Army was investigating whether the bombs were activated by remote control, Cargie said.
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