Two Georgia The National Guard soldiers died on Wednesday Iraq in what the US Army says were unrelated non-combat deaths.
Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni, 23, of Douglasville, died in Baghdad after an incident at another location, the Army said. Pameni was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, based in Lawrenceville.
That unit began a mission in an undisclosed location in the Middle East in April.
Spc. Owen James Elliott, 23, of Twin City, died in Baghdad. Elliott was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, based in Savannah.
That unit began a deployment to the Middle East in December, the Georgia National Guard has said, focusing on air defense artillery.
The army said it investigates each death. There is no evidence of foul play, officials said.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Pameni and Specialist Elliott,” said Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commander and adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard. “Both of these soldiers selflessly served our state and nation. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of both soldiers.”
The Georgia National Guard declined further comment Saturday.