US soldier killed in roadside bombing

An American soldier was killed and another was wounded today when their convoy hit a roadside bomb in northern Iraq, the US military said.

The attack took place 15 miles south of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s home town.

The victims were riding in an armoured personnel carrier, second in a four vehicle convoy, US Maj Josslyn Aberle said.

The death brought to 58 the number of US troops killed in action since May 1, when US President George Bush declared major combat over.

The military also reported killing two Iraqis in separate incidents in the Baqouba region, 45 miles north-east of Baghdad.

Aberle said the two were killed after opening fire on US troops. She gave no other details.