2 missing soldiers in Iraq found dead

Via the WaPo:

BAGHDAD, July 20–Two U.S. soldiers missing since an attack on a checkpoint last week have been found dead near a power plant in Yusifiyah, south of Baghdad, according to an Iraqi defense official.

Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Muhammed-Jassim, head of operations at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, said the soldiers had been “barbarically” killed and that there were traces of torture on their bodies. He offered no further details.

U.S. military officials told the Associated Press that two bodies had been recovered, but would not confirm their identities. A military spokesman said a news briefing had been scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Baghdad time, or 8:30 a.m. EDT.

The Army on Monday identified the missing soldiers as Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston and Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore. They were attacked at a checkpoint near Yusufiyah. A third soldier, Spec. David J. Babineau, 25, of Springfield, Mass., was killed in the incident.

God be with their families right now, and may the killers of these two fine young solders pay very harshly for what they’ve done.

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