Three U.S. Marines killed in western Iraq

BAGHDAD, Oct 9 (Reuters) Three U.S. Marines were killed in action in Anbar Province in western Iraq, the U.S. military said in a statement.

Anbar is the heartland of the Sunni insurgency against Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's Shi'ite-led government and U.S forces. It is the deadliest area in Iraq for U.S. soldiers.

The deaths of the three soldiers yesterday brought to at least 32 the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq since the start of October.

The U.S. military had reported the deaths of three Marines in the largely desert province on Friday.

An alliance of Sunni tribal leaders has promised to help Maliki's government root out al Qaeda militants who have set up bases in the province. Maliki has announced reconstruction plans for the region and a more representative local government.

Reuters DKB DB2248