10 February 2004	Tuesday	18 Zilhaj 1424

BAGHDAD, Feb 9: Two US soldiers were killed and six were wounded on Monday while trying to clear explosives in northern Iraq, the military said. The explosion, which occurred near the city of Sinjar , 400 kms north of Baghdad, was an accident, the top US military spokesman in Iraq said.

"It was an accident. It happened during ordnance disposal, not an attack," Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt said. In another incident, four US soldiers were wounded while investigating a roadside bomb near Baquba, 65kms north of Baghdad, an army spokesman said.

Master Sergeant Robert Cargie said one soldier was injured as he approached a roadside bomb that was believed to be inactive. The bomb exploded when the soldier was 10 metres away, the spokesman said.

"As the others on the scene attempted to evacuate the wounded soldier, a second improvised explosive device detonated, wounding three more," Sergeant Cargie said. The army was investigating whether the bombs were activated by remote control, he added. -Reuters