Iraq: The Iraqi defense ministry says the bodies of two missing American soldiers have been found south of Baghdad.
A spokesman (General Abdul Aziz Mohammed) told reporters today (Tuesday) the bodies were found in the Yusifiyah area and that they bore signs of torture and vicious mistreatment.
Thousands of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers and police have been searching for the two Americans, who disappeared after an ambush in the region late Friday, and were probably kidnapped. One soldier was killed in the attack.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military says coalition forces killed 15 terrorists and detained several suspects during simultaneous raids north of the restive city of Baquba today (Tuesday).
Iraq-Japan: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says his country will withdraw its troops from Iraq, having accomplished its humanitarian and reconstruction mission.
" hspace=2 src="/lao/images/ap_koizumi_iraq_20jun06_eng_195.jpg" width=210 align=right vspace=2 border=0>
Mr. Koizumi's announcement today (Tuesday) comes a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Iraqi forces will take over security from coalition troops in the southern province of Muthanna next month.
Japanese officials say their air force will remain active in Iraq, transporting goods and personnel for the United States-led coalition.
Bush-Eurpe: President Bush is flying to Vienna at this hour, where he
will take part in a summit with European Union leaders that is expected
to focus on Iran's nuclear program, terrorism and trade.
The Europeans also are expected to raise the issue of closing the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
The U.S. national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, says promoting freedom and democracy and winning the war on terror top Mr. Bush's agenda.
Listen to our World News for details.