FACTBOX: Security developments in Iraq

(Reuters) - Following are security developments in Iraq at 9 a.m. EDT on Friday:

BAGHDAD - A U.S. soldier died after his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in west Baghdad on Thursday, the U.S. military said.

YUSUFIYA - A roadside bomb inside a pickup truck killed one person and wounded three others in Yusufiya, 20 km (12 miles) south of Baghdad, police said.

HILLA - U.S. forces clashed with gunmen, killing five and capturing two suspected "special group" members during an operation near Hilla, 100 km (62 miles) south of Baghdad, U.S. military statement said. "Special groups" is a U.S. military term for Shi'ite militants backed by Iran.

DIWANIYA - A police officer was killed during an operation to free a hostage near Diwaniya, 150 km (95 miles) south of Baghdad, police said.

(Compiled by Aws Qusay)