4 Marines Killed in Tank Accident in Iraq

By THOMAS WAGNER, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 2 minutes ago


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Four Marines drowned when their tank rolled off a bridge and plunged into a canal, the military said Friday, adding that while the accident occurred in a Sunni insurgent stronghold, it was not the result of an enemy action.

The deaths brought to at least 12 the number of U.S. service members who have died in Iraq this week, according to an Associated Press count.

The accident occurred Thursday when the four Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 were traveling in a U.S. M1A1 Main Battle Tank near Karmah, 50 miles west of Baghdad in Anbar province. U.S.-led coalition forces have seen heavy fighting in the area, known as the Sunni Triangle because it is rife with Sunni insurgents.

"We are a close-knit family and this loss affects us all," said U.S. Col. Larry D. Nicholson, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 5. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these Marines during this difficult period."

The accident was under investigation, and the military said no other information was immediately available, including what kind of operation the Marines were taking part in and whether fighting with insurgents was under way in the area at that time.

Elsewhere, three U.S. Army soldiers were killed Thursday when roadside bombs hit two U.S. convoys southwest of Baghdad, the military said. The U.S. command also announced that an American soldier died Tuesday from wounds not suffered in combat.

Their deaths raised to at least 2,434 the number of members of the U.S. military who have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

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