US troops on Iraqi murder charge

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Two American soldiers have been charged with the murder of an Iraqi prisoner, US military officials have said.

Staff Sgt Hal Warner and 1st Lt Michael Behenna are accused of the premeditated murder of Ali Mansour Mohammed.

They have also been charged with assault, making a false official statement and obstructing justice.

Military officials did not provide details on how or when Mr Mohamed was killed, but they said he was released from prison in mid-May.

Staff Sgt Warner will face a hearing later this month to determine whether a trial should be held, a US military spokeswoman said.

No date has been set for a hearing for 1st Lt Behenna.

Both men were stationed near Baiji, 180km (120 miles) north of Baghdad.