US charges soldiers with Iraqi murders

Three US soldiers were today charged with murder for their role in the killing of Iraqis last year.

The US Army said that Sgt John Hatley, Sgt 1st Class Joseph P. Mayo and Sgt Michael P. Leahy Jr – all formerly of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment - face charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and obstruction of justice.

A date for the court-martial was not announced.