US soldier killed by sniper fire in Iraq

A SNIPER killed a US soldier on patrol in Baghdad with a single shot, while gunmen targeted Iraqi officials in drive-by shootings designed to put them off co-operating with Americans, the military said yesterday.

The soldier from the 1st Armoured Division’s 1st Brigade was shot in the back as he rode in a Humvee, said brigade spokesman Lt Alex Kasarda. The gunman escaped.

Military officials said it was likely the bullet penetrated the soldier’s flak vest, possibly by entering at an angle that missed an armoured ceramic plate. The soldier’s name was withheld until his family could be notified.