Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq 

    BAGHDAD, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Four American soldiers and one Marine have been killed in separate incidents in the volatile al-Anbar province, the U.S. military said in a statement on Sunday. The deaths bring to 24 the death toll of U.S. forces on Saturday, the bloodiest day in two years.

A U.S. soldier patrols in Iraq, January 21, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

A U.S. soldier patrols in Iraq, January 21, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters  Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    The five assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died Saturday from wounds sustained due to "enemy action" while operating in al-Anbar, it said.

    The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

    Al-Anbar is believed to be a stronghold of Sunni militants. 

    At least 3,051 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003, according to media count based on Pentagon figures.

File photo shows a U.S. helicopter near a U.S. base in Iraq. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery >>>