The U.S. military announced Sunday the deaths of two troops, raising the number of Americans who have died in Iraq to at least 3,000. On the final day of 2006, police reported finding 12 bodies dumped in Baghdad as well as 12 other deaths nationwide, both relatively low numbers for recent months.
The American death toll in Iraq rose following the announcement of two additional deaths. According to the AP, one soldier died Saturday in a roadside bombing in the capital, the military said. The Department of Defense said on its Web site that another soldier died Thursday.
Meanwhile, in his New Year's greeting, US President Bush noted the continuing violence in Iraq. "Last year, America continued its mission to fight and win the war on terror and promote liberty as an alternative to tyranny and despair," Bush said in the statement.
"In the New Year, we will remain on the offensive against the enemies of freedom, advance the security of our country, and work toward a free and unified Iraq. Defeating terrorists and extremists is the challenge of our time, and we will answer history's call with confidence and fight for liberty without wavering."
At least 111 U.S. service members have been reported killed in December, the bloodiest month of 2006.
