Marines, Soldiers Killed During Operations in Iraq

The Marines, assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, were killed while conducting security and stability operations in Iraq's Anbar province. A 1st Infantry Division soldier died while supporting Task Force Olympia operations near Mosul, and a Task Force Olympia soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in Mosul that wounded three other soldiers.

Officials provided no further details. The names are being withheld until families are notified.

Multinational forces patrolling in eastern Mosul came under attack by rocket- propelled grenades and small-arms fire from insurgents shooting from the Rashan Mosque today. No injuries were reported.

"Firing from the mosque is a violation of the law of war," read a written statement issued after the incident by the Multinational Force. "Iraqi authorities have stated that those insurgents using a religious center as their headquarters or as a place to attack Iraqi security forces or multinational forces will not be safe."

Insurgents damaged a section of oil pipeline when an improvised explosive device detonated near Bayji just after midnight today. The explosion caused a large oil fire. No injuries were reported. Pipeline security teams are investigating the incident.