Bomb kills 2 Americans, 3 Iraqis on joint patrol

June 12, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

BAGHDAD

A suicide attacker in an explosives-rigged car bombed U.S. and Iraqi forces on joint patrol Friday, killing two Americans and at least three Iraqis.

The bomber struck the convoy of humvees and Stryker vehicles in the town of Jalula, about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad, not far from the Iranian border, according to Iraqi officials. The U.S. military, which confirmed the casualties, said six American troops were wounded in the attack.

Although U.S. forces largely have pulled back from urban areas as Iraqis take responsibility for securing their country, Friday’s attack illustrates the risks that remain for American troops here.

Names of the casualties were not released, pending notification of family members.

The U.S. said three Iraqis, including one police officer, also were killed, and about 22 were wounded.

It was the deadliest reported attack on U.S. troops since April 7, when two soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in Mosul.

A man who was watching the patrol from his doorway when the bomber struck said he believed troops were searching for weapons after a dispute among residents brandishing hand grenades and firearms the previous day.

The man, who gave his name as Abu Kowyan, said the assailant rammed his car into the patrol as troops were getting out of their vehicles.

He said he counted about seven or eight American soldiers lying on the ground after the blast.

Iraqi police, hospital and local officials put the death toll higher than the U.S. They said the blast killed six Iraqis, including one policeman, and wounded 22 others. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to release the information.