Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080302-01
March 2, 2008

Youth killed in Coalition forces airstrike (Samarra)

Multi-National Division – North PAO

SALAH AD-DIN PROVINCE, Iraq – An Iraqi teenager was killed during an engagement approximately 30 kilometers south of Samarra Feb. 29.

Multi-National Division - North AH-46 Apache pilots identified six suspected improvised explosive device emplacers digging on a road known to have a past history of IED attacks on Iraqi Army and Coalition force Soldiers.

After receiving confirmation that no Coalition forces were in the area, the Apache aircrew engaged the suspects.

Iraqi Army and Coalition force Soldiers were then ordered to investigate the area at ground level.

About 40 individuals, who were located at a nearby house, told the Soldiers that six boys were allegedly digging roots for firewood.

No one was detained and no evidence of IED materials was located.

"Coalition forces sincerely regret when any innocent civilian is killed during our operations, and the boy’s family has our deepest condolences," said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, MND– N spokesperson. "We only engage what we believe to be hostile threats and take every precaution to protect innocent civilians, specifically to minimize the chances of a tragedy like this."

The incident is under investigation.

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