The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 4 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered from small arms fire while conducting security and observation operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Pfc. Albert M. Nelson, 31, of Philadelphia.

Pfc. Roger A. Suarez-Gonzalez, 21 of Miami.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact the Fort Carson Public Affairs Office at (719) 526-3420.