US marines fired over 24 unarmed Iraqi civilian deaths in Haditha

The US Navy is initiating dismissal proceedings against two Marines from a squad that killed 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians in 2005.

A Navy spokeswoman said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus made the decision because Sergeant Sanick Dela Cruz and Sergeant Humberto Mendoza lied to military investigators after the massacre.

The two Marines were notified of the move.

The Marine Corps dropped criminal charges against both men in exchange for their testimony at the trial of Sergeant Frank Wuterich, the squad leader.

Sgt Wuterich was the lone Marine convicted in the shooting of unarmed Iraqis in the town of Haditha after a roadside bomb exploded, killing one Marine.

The Navy spokeswoman, Lieutenant Commander Tamara Lawrence, said Mr Mabus waited until the judicial proceedings ended before reviewing the case of the two.