4 Marines Killed in Tank Accident in Iraq

Four Marines drowned when their tank rolled off a bridge and plunged into a canal, the military said Friday, adding that while the accident occurred in a Sunni insurgent stronghold, it was not the result of an enemy action.

The deaths brought to at least 12 the number of U.S. service members who have died in Iraq this week, according to an Associated Press count.

The accident occurred Thursday when the four Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 were traveling in a U.S. M1A1 Main Battle Tank near Karmah, 50 miles west of Baghdad in Anbar province. U.S.-led coalition forces have seen heavy fighting in the area, known as the Sunni Triangle because it is rife with Sunni insurgents.

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