Charges dismissed against two Marines in Haditha case

LOS ANGELES, Aug 9 (Reuters) The US military dropped charges today against two Marines charged in connection with the 2005 deaths of 24 unarmed civilians in Haditha, Iraq.

Charges against Lance Cpl Justin Sharratt and Capt Randy Stone were dismissed based on a review of the facts in the case, Lt Gen James Mattis said in a statement.

Sharratt and Stone were among eight US Marines originally charged in the Haditha case, which stemmed from the death of 24 men, women and children in the western Iraqi town. Sharratt was charged with unpremeditated murder and Stone with dereliction of duty.

In April, murder charges were dismissed against Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz. Cases are still proceeding against the remaining defendants.

Reuters RC VP0150