Two US servicemen charged with murder of Iraqi civilian

Two U.S. Army soldiers have been charged with the premeditated murder of an Iraqi and a lieutenant colonel has been relieved of command in connection with the case, the U.S. military announced Thursday.

Photo: Two US servicemen charged with murder of Iraqi civilian

Sgt. 1st Class Trey A. Corrales, San Antonio, Texas, and Spc. Christopher P. Shore of Widner, Georgia were charged with one count of murder in the death, which allegedly occurred June 23 near the northern city of Kirkuk, the U.S. said in a statement.

The soldiers are assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, which is part of the 25th Infantry Division based in Hawaii. The unit is attached to Multinational Division - North.

The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Michael Browder, was relieved of his command in connection with the investigation although he is not a suspect and has not been charged, the military said.

No further details were released, but the statement noted that the charges are allegations and neither of the two soldiers has been convicted.