Emilian D. Sanchez killed during combat operations

A 20-year-old Santa Ana Pueblo man has been killed in Iraq, the 26th New Mexican to die there since the war began in March 2003.

According to the Marine Corps, Lance Cpl. Emilian D. Sanchez was killed Sunday during combat operations in Anbar province, a Sunni stronghold where American forces have faced continuing attacks.

Twenty-eight Americans were killed in action in Iraq during the weekend.

Gunnery Sgt. William Amass, a Marine spokesman, said specifics about Sanchez's death were not yet available.

Sanchez was assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable, and had been in the Marine Corps since July 2005, Amass said.

His unit, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., arrived in Anbar province in late November.

Pictures on the unit's Web site show Marines conducting security patrols in Ramadi, and handing out soccer balls, school supplies and kerosene heaters to villagers.

From the Tribune