7 US marines killed in training exercise

KABUL): Seven US Marines were killed and several others injured in a mortar explosion during a training exercise at Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

The round exploded during a live-fire exercise, an incident that led the Marine Corps to impose a ban on training with such mortars. The terrain is used to train service members preparing for deployment to Afghanistan.

A statement from the Pentagon said the injured were transported to area hospitals for treatment. The identities of those killed will be released 24 hours after next of kin are notified.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Fox said: “We send our prayers and condolences to the families of Marines involved in this tragic incident. We remain focused on ensuring that they are supported through this difficult time…”

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