I assume these are US soldiers:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8164&Itemid=21 Roadside bomb strikes Baghdad patrol on clearing mission
Sunday, 17 December 2006
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20061217-01
Dec. 17, 2006
Roadside bomb strikes Baghdad patrol on clearing mission
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – An improvised explosive device detonated near a Multi-National Division - Baghdad patrol, killing three Soldiers north of the Iraqi capital yesterday.
The combat patrol was conducting a route clearance mission in order to free the roads of any possible dangers so that a follow-on unit could move through the area without harm. As they conducted their mission, a roadside bomb exploded near one of their vehicles, killing three and wounding a fourth Soldier.
Four days prior to this incident, the unit successfully completed a cordon and search mission, finding a weapons cache. Taking the weapons away from the terrorists hampered the enemy’s capability to disrupt operations by Iraqi Army and coalition forces and wound or kill innocent Iraqi citizens.
The deceased Soldiers’ names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.