US soldier held in slayings of 2 GIs in Iraq (AP)

BAGHDAD � An American serviceman is being held in Iraq in connection with the fatal shootings of two soldiers and the wounding of another following an apparent argument, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

A statement by U.S. forces said Spc. Neftaly Platero was in custody during the investigation into last Thursday's slayings in Fallujah, a former insurgent stronghold 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad.

Col. Barry Johnson, a U.S. military spokesman, said a "verbal altercation" broke out among four soldiers and the suspect "allegedly took his weapon and began shooting the other soldiers."

Those killed were identified by the Pentagon as Spc. John Carrillo Jr., 20, of Stockton, California, and Pfc. Gebrah P. Noonan, 26, of Watertown, Connecticut. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Fort Stewart, Georgia.

The name of the wounded soldier was not released. No other details were immediately available.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan says U.S. forces are "saddened by this tragic event."

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