amidst heavy security. Five US Army soldiers and 2 members of the Iraqi Army die in Anbar providence in the only major act of violence committed on this first election day when their Bradley vehicle ran over and IED killing all 7 individuals instantly. October 17 – The U.S. claims to have killed 70 insurgents near Ramadi in eastern Iraq. However, eyewitnesses maintain that most of those killed were innocent civilians, and photographs released show locals burying at least 18 children, including infants. October 18 – Two U.S. Marines and around four Iraqi insurgents are killed in Western Iraq. The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq issues a statement saying that statistical irregularities in the constitution ratification referendum on October 15, 2005 require that the balloting be audited, which will delay the announcement of the final count. According to the New York Times, "The statement made no mention of the possibility of fraud." though according to the BBC "Iraq's independent electoral commission says statistical irregularities in last week's referendum could indicate fraud." October 19 – Saddam Hussein goes on trial in Baghdad for crimes against humanity. The former President of Iraq is led into court with seven associates, charged with ordering the killing of 143 Shi'a men in the town of Dujail in 1982. If convicted, Hussein could face capital punishment. October 20 – Four U.S. soldiers are killed in two insurgent attacks north of Baghdad, Iraq. A defense lawyer for one of Saddam Hussein's co-defendants is kidnapped. October 21 – Saadoun Sughaiyer al-Janabi, the defense lawyer of Awad Hamed al-Bandar in the Al-Dujail trial, is found dead of gunshot wounds near a Baghdad mosque, after having been kidnapped on Thursday evening by unknown assailants. October 22 – Army Staff Sgt. George T. Alexander Jr., 34, of Killeen, Texas becomes the 2000th American death in Iraq (AP). U.S.-led forces reported killing 20 "terrorists suspected of sheltering al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighters" in a series of raids on safe houses near Husaybah. October 24 – The Palestine Hotel, Baghdad which houses the foreign journalists was bombed with three consecutive car bombs. This hotel was rocketed previously on November 21, 2003. October 25 – Iraq's Independent Electoral Commission announces that the country's draft constitution was approved in the vote held October 15. October 26 – Three United States Soldiers die in two separate insurgent attacks in Baghdad and near Baqouba. October 27