Two Iraq war veterans who lost right legs to roadside bombs aim this week to become the first combat amputees to reach the top of Mount Everest.

They are climbing the less-traveled northern route of the world’s highest mountain from China and plan to summit the 29,029-foot peak Friday, weather permitting. Unpredictable conditions and deep snow could delay them, climbers say.

The two men  — former Army reservist Chad Jukes, 31, and Thomas Charles”Charlie” Linville, 30, who served as a Marine staff sergeant — are on separate expeditions sponsored by different veterans organizations.

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