Release # 03-06-009

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- Unknown assailants killed one U.S. soldier and wounded another south of Balad yesterday. The soldiers were at a checkpoint along Highway 1 when the attackers engaged them with small arms and Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) hostile fire.

The soldiers returned fire and pursued the attackers into a marketplace. A quick reaction force (QRF) secured the area and approximately 200 people are being detained for questioning. Coalition Forces are screening detainees and conducting an ongoing investigation to find the assailants.

The names and unit of the soldiers are being withheld until next-of-kin notification.

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