Seven US soldiers killed

BAGHDAD -- Seven US soldiers were killed in two separate attacks, both north of Baghdad, on Wednesday when roadside bombs struck the vehicles in which they were traveling, the US military said yesterday.

Four US soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division were reported killed in the Iraqi town of Hawija while on patrol, the military said.

Three US soldiers were killed near the Iraqi town of Balad when their vehicle struck another roadside bomb.

US military units in the Baghdad area were told yesterday to halt all but essential travel, to avoid getting caught up in demonstrations or roadblocks.

Roadside bombs have been some of the deadliest killers of US troops in Iraq since the war began in 2003.