Three more US marines killed in western Iraq

BAGHDAD - Three US Marines were killed in action in Anbar Province in western Iraq on Sunday, the US military said today in a statement.

Anbar is the heartland of the Sunni insurgency against Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's Shi'ite-led government and US forces. It is the deadliest area in Iraq for US soldiers.

The deaths of the three soldiers brought to at least 32 the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq since the start of October.

An alliance of Sunni tribal leaders has promised to help Maliki's government root out al Qaeda militants who have set up bases in the province. Maliki has announced reconstruction plans for the region and a more representative local government.

- REUTERS