BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military in Iraq said on Monday that three soldiers killed by kidnappers in June do not appear to have had any involvement in the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and her family in the same area.

In an unusual move prompted by concern among the dead men's families over media reporting of the two events, the military said: "The criminal investigation into the crimes committed against the Iraqi family in Mahmudiya is still ongoing.

"Thus far, however, no evidence has been discovered implicating Babineau, Tucker or Menchaca in any criminal involvement with the Mahmudiya incident."

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