22 Dec 2005

Micronesian death toll in Iraq reaches 11 with latest killing

4:07 pm on 22 December 2005

Richard Aguon Naputi Jr, of Guam has become the 11th Micronesian to die in the current conflict in Iraq.

The Pacific Daily News reports that Mr Naputi was on active duty in the Army and died while in combat.

His rank and location of the skirmish where he died have not been released.

Mr Naputi's uncle, Tim Naputi, says the 24 year-old soldier was sent to a medical facility but died of his injuries.

Richard Naputi is survived by his wife.

Just last month, two soldiers from Saipan, Derence Jack and Wilgene Lieto, were killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq.