Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Three U.S. marines and one sailor were killed in Iraq's western Anbar province, the U.S. military said on Friday.

    "Three marines and one sailor assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7 died Thursday from wounds sustained due to enemy action while operating in Al Anbar province," the military said in a statement.

    The latest death brings the total death toll of U.S. military personnel in Iraq to more than 2,960 since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003, according to the Pentagon figures.