U.S. Navy medic admits part in killing of Iraqi man

CAMP PENDLETON, California (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy medic admitted on Friday taking part in the kidnap of an Iraqi civilian killed by his squad and said the murder was prompted by his patrol leader's anger at the release of a suspected "terrorist" from Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison.

Petty Officer Melson Bacos, 21, and the seven Marines he accompanied on an April patrol were charged with kidnapping Hashim Ibrahim Awad, 52, from his home, killing him and placing an AK-47 assault rifle, spent bullets and shovel next to his body to suggest he was trying to plant a roadside bomb.

The killing in the town of Hamdania was one in a series of incidents in which the conduct of American troops in Iraq have damaged the country's image worldwide.