The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The soldiers died on Mar. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their military vehicle. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, Manhattan, New York, N. Y.

The Soldiers are:

Spc. Azhar Ali, 27 of Flushing, N.Y.

Spc. Wai P. Lwin, 27, of Queens, N.Y.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.