Baghdad: A roadside bomb hit a US patrol in northwestern Baghdad, killing three soldiers, the American military announced today.

The attack took place around 10.30 pm (0100 IST), a military statement said without giving further details.

The latest death brings to 3,966 the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq since the 2003 invasion, according to an AFP tally based on independent website www.icasualties.org.

Roadside bombs, especially highly lethal explosively formed penetrators which shoot out a slug of molten metal that can cut through armoured vehicles, are the biggest cause of US casualties in Iraq.

American commanders say they are usually the "signature" of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Source : PTI