2 American Troops Killed, 2 Troops And 3 Civilians Injured In Northern Iraq Attack On Humanitarian Mission

November 26, 2008 8:01 a.m. EST

Baghdad, Iraq (AHN) - Two American troops were killed while conducting a humanitarian mission and two other soldiers, along with three civilians, were injured by the attack in Baaj, in the northern province of Nineveh, the military said.

Two men conducted the attack and one of them reportedly appeared to be wearing an Iraqi military uniform. U.S. military officials say the attack was unprovoked and is under investigation.

The names of the U.S. Marine and a soldier who were shot to death, and the two other Marines who were wounded, were not immediately available because their relatives are still being notified.

Baaj is an economically depressed district southwest of Mosul and near the Syrian border. Sunni insurgents who stage attacks on nearby cities, such as Mosul and Tal Afar, still are able to find a safe haven to retreat to in Baaj.

American troops have been trying to help the area's economy