WAR.WIRE
US Marine dies accidentally in Iraqi city of Najaf
BAGHDAD (AFP) Jun 16, 2003
 A US Marine has died of a "non-hostile gunshot wound" in the Iraqi Shiite holy city of Najaf, 180 kilometers (110 miles) south of Baghdad, US Central Command said Monday.

"A US Marine from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force died ... in Najaf (on Sunday) June 15 as a result of a non-hostile gunshot wound," Centcom said.

"The incident is currently under investigation," it said without giving further details.

The wording of the statement suggests the Marine was killed either by friendly fire or by a bullet from his own weapon.

The latest death takes to 48 the number of American soldiers killed in attacks or accidents since President George W. Bush declared the war in Iraq effectively over on May 1.

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