US troops charged with cruelty to soldiers

Four American soldiers in Iraq have been charged with cruelty and maltreatment of soldiers in their platoon.

The four Multi-National Division-South soldiers were accused of abusing male soldiers with excessive physical force, said Lt Col Kevin Olson, a US military spokesman.

The military identified the men as Sgt Enoch Chatman, Staff Sgt Bob Clements, Sgt Jarrett Taylor and Spc Daniel Weber of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 13th Calvary Regiment from Fort Bliss, Texas.

CNN reported that the men were charged with mistreating four subordinates after a suicide investigation brought to light alleged wrongdoing, according to the military.

There was no confirmed evidence that the suicide of a fifth subordinate in the unit was a result of any mistreatment, Lt Col Olson said, but he said the military was looking into that possibility.

Multi-National Division-South is based in southern Iraq, in the rich city of Basra.