US military confirms two slain soldiers abducted

BAGHDAD, June 26 (Reuters) The US military confirmed today that two American soldiers found dead south of Baghdad last week were kidnapped and killed by ''terrorists''.

A military statement said Privates First Class Kristian Menchaca and Thomas Tucker were part of a three-man team guarding a canal crossing next to the Euphrates River when they were taken in Yusufiya.

''The two bodies, severely traumatised, were found bound together with an IED (roadside bomb) between one of the soldiers' legs,'' said the statement.

REUTERS SB RS2357