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U.S. Marine Faces Trial In Iraq War's Biggest Criminal Case


U.S. Marines on patrol in Haditha in 2007.
U.S. Marines on patrol in Haditha in 2007.
A U.S. Marine accused of leading a squad that killed 24 Iraqis in 2005 will stand trial in San Diego on January 6 in the biggest and lengthiest criminal case against U.S. troops to arise from the Iraq War.

Frank Wuterich, a 31-year-old Marine staff sergeant, is one of eight Marines initially charged. None have been convicted.

The incident under question occurred in November 2005, when Wuterich ordered his men to clear several homes in the town of Haditha after a roadside bomb killed one Marine and wounded two others.

Wuterich's men allegedly tossed grenades in the homes and peppered them with gunfire, leaving 24 Iraqis dead.

The trial comes after the last U.S. troops departed Iraq last month.

compiled from agency reports

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