US soldier dies in Iraq after vehicle hits landmine

A US soldier was killed and one wounded when their armoured vehicle struck a landmine near the town of Bayji in northern Iraq…

A US soldier was killed and one wounded when their armoured vehicle struck a landmine near the town of Bayji in northern Iraq last night.

The attack brought to 95 the number of US soldiers killed in action in Iraq since President George W. Bush declared major combat over on May 1st.

Occupying forces have been constant targets for guerrillas that Washington says are Saddam loyalists.

Authorities are still investigating a two-car suicide bomb attack yesterday aimed at a hotel used by US officials. The blast on central Baghdad's main street killed six Iraqis and wounded dozens.

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The attacks dealt a further blow to Mr Bush, who is trying to bolster support for his invasion of Iraq by highlighting postwar successes. Polls show his popularity tumbling as the cost of the war in lives and money mounts.

Washington is pushing for a new UN Security Council resolution giving the United Nations a broader mandate to try to persuade reluctant countries to help in stabilising Iraq.