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thedrifter
11-17-06, 03:06 PM
Ohio Marines Betrayed in Iraq?

(Cleveland, OH) --- Twenty Ohio Marines came home in coffins last fall, casualties of war in Iraq.

In the five months since their deaths, Marine family tears have turned to anger. Those family members have told a Cleveland TV station that behind the deaths of those soldiers is a story of betrayal: their loved ones sold out by Iraqi insurgents, then set up and ambushed - not once, but twice in the same week last August.

Members of the 3rd Battalion 25th Marines were based in Haditha, an Iraqi insurgent stronghold about 140 miles northwest of Baghdad.

On Aug. 1, six Marine snipers were killed in a firefight, caught in the crossfire of Iraqi insurgents - an ambush that came so quickly the Marines were unable to return fire.

Two days later, Marines from the same unit went out to capture the insurgents who killed their comrades, only to become victims themselves. A roadside bomb blew their transport vehicle to pieces.

Family members only know what other soldiers from the unit have told them about that fateful week last August. Some family members now believe insurgents may have infiltrated Iraqi security and betrayed the Cleveland-based Marines.

The truth of what really happened to members of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines may be contained in a classified military investigation. While the military considers the investigation documents classified, members of the unit have asked the report to be released.

That could take weeks or months, but family members would be the first to find out what it says - and maybe get the answers they're desperately seeking.

Kevin Milliken

01/04/2006

Ellie