U.S. Soldier dies in non-combat related incident in western Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A U.S. soldier died as a result of a non-combat related incident in western Thursday, raising the U.S. fatalities in November to seven, the U.S. army said on Friday. “Coalition force Soldier died as a result of a non-combat related cause at approximately 11:52 a.m Nov. 13 in western Iraq,” ac cording to a U.S. army statement received by IraqiNews.com. “The incident is currently under investigation,” it added. The death brings the number of U.S. soldiers who have been reported killed in Iraq this month to seven, including four in non-combat incidents, and to 4,197 the number killed since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. Fourteen U.S. troops died in October, seven of them of 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) 1