American soldiers killed in Iraq mortar attack

Two American soldiers were killed when a mortar was fired into their encampment in central Iraq. Another soldier was critically injured, the military said Thursday.

Two American soldiers were killed when a mortar was fired into their encampment in central Iraq. Another soldier was critically injured, the military said today.

The military said last night’s attack was on a forward operating base in Baqouba, 35 miles north-east of Baghdad.

The wounded soldier was given immediate medical attention and evacuated to a support hospital where he is in critical but stable condition, said military spokeswoman Major Josslyn Aberle.

The three soldiers were standing outside the tactical operations centre when a series of mortars and rockets hit, she said. The attack also damaged vehicles.

US forces launched a counterattack but there was no indication that the enemy sustained casualties, she added.