U.S. Embassy Expresses Sorrow about
Death of Salvadoran Soldier in Iraq
October 20, 2006

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The Government of the United States is deeply saddened by the loss of Salvadoran Captain José Argelio Soto Ochoa, a member of El Salvador’s  Cuscatlán Battalion, while on duty in Iraq as part of the International Coalition Force.

Soto Ochoa was killed when an improvised explosive device exploded beneath the convoy he commanded and that was returning to the soldiers’ base camp near Al Kut.

In the attack, Sergeant José Armando Morales, Corporal Armando Platero Marroquín and Soldier Julián Eduardo Vásquez Aguilar were wounded. All soldiers were taken to the Hospital in Baghdad.   Corporal Isidro Meléndez Ascensio had minor injuries and didn’t require medical assistance.

We wish to express our sympathy to the family of Captain José Argelio Soto Ochoa and the gratitude of the people of the United States for his great sacrifice. This brave soldier gave his life to help the Iraqi people build a free, democratic, and stable country. 

We are also hoping that Sergeant Morales, Corporal Platero Marroquín, and Soldier Vásquez Aguilar will quickly recover from their injuries.

The United States of America admires the excellent job that has been done by the seven Salvadoran contingents in Iraq. Today we share the sorrow of Salvadorans.  Despite setbacks and tragedies such as we have seen today, together we will win the war against terrorism and make the world a safer place for all.