3 U.S. Soldiers, 2 Iraqis Killed in Bomb Attack War Death Toll Reaches 500

[underpants]

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040117041909990005

TIKRIT, Iraq (Jan. 17) - A roadside bomb detonated north of Baghdad on Saturday, killing three U.S. soldiers and two Iraqi civil defense troopers, a U.S. military spokesman said. The deaths bring to 500 the number of American service members who have died since the Iraq war began.

Two Americans also were wounded in the attack, which occurred when a
Bradley Fighting Vehicle struck an explosive device on a road near Taji, about 20 miles north of Baghdad, said Lt. Col. Bill McDonald, a spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division.

The vehicle caught fire (made of aluminum) , killing the three Americans and two Iraqis who were on joint U.S.-Iraqi patrol, McDonald said.

CNN reported that the Bradley flipped over and caught fire.

Also Saturday, the military said a U.S. soldier died from a non-hostile gunshot wound south of Baghdad. The incident occurred Friday evening near Diwaniyah south of Baghdad, the command said in a statement. No further details were released.