Fallujah convoy attack (update)

Fallujah convoy attack (update)

CAMP FALLUJAH , Iraq – Two Marines assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) who were previously listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown have been identified.

The Marines, both male, were in a convoy that was attacked by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and small arms fire June 23 in Fallujah.

A Marine and a Sailor believed to be in the vehicle remain listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown pending positive identification.

News reports that have identified Marines as being part of a civil affairs unit are incorrect. The Marines are from several different headquarters and service support units.

Thirteen Marines were wounded in the incident, 11 of whom were women.

Female Marines play a vital role providing security at the entry control points in the city. They search female Iraqi citizens moving through the checkpoints. Female Marines are employed in this role in order to be respectful of Iraqi cultural sensitivities. Their assignment to this mission is in full accordance with Department of Defense and Marine Corps policy.

The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

-30- Release A050625c

Source: MNFI For more information, contact Multi-National Force-West public affairs at mnfwcepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil more at Fallujah or vbied.