US confirms death of 10 US soldiers in Iraq

Baghdad, Dec 7: Ten American soldiers were killed in four incidents in Iraq on Wednesday, a US military spokesman said, as a report from an elite panel recommended the United States begin to withdraw forces from combat.

''We can confirm 10 US soldiers have died in four separate events,'' spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver said, adding some of the victims had been killed by roadside bombs and others in combat.

Under pressure to end an unpopular war that has killed more than 2,900 Americans and thousands of Iraqis, US President George W Bush said he would take the report from the bipartisan Iraq Study Group ''very seriously''.

October was the deadliest month for US troops this year, when 106 service members died in Iraq. American defense officials then said the high toll was due to increased violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as well as efforts by insurgents to affect the U.S. congressional elections.

Casualties declined to 70 in November.

Reuters