Soldier in Iraq Alleges Ongoing Competition for 'Kill Rates'

July 30, 2006 — -- ABC News' "Nightline" will air an exclusive interview Monday with one of four soldiers accused of murdering prisoners in Iraq, in which he alleges that on the mission in question his command gave specific orders to kill all military-aged males encountered.

"Nightline" co-anchor Martin Bashir talks with Pfc. Corey Clagett from his cell in Kuwait.

Pfc. Clagett maintains his innocence in the May 9 killings on a canal island in Salahuddin province, but also makes the startling claim that units in Iraq are in competition with each other regarding their kill rates.

The story of these soldiers came to light in June when the U.S. military announced their arrest. In the last few weeks, details of the killings have come under question by members of their own brigade, and the investigation was reopened after two initial investigations by commanders in the field found no wrongdoing.

Clagett's first hearing is Tuesday in Tikrit, Iraq. The soldiers could face the death penalty if found guilty.

This is one of many ongoing investigations into soldier wrongdoing in regards to the deaths of Iraqi civilians.

The interview will air tomorrow night, Monday at 11:35pm ET/PT on ABC News' "Nightline."