Accessibility links
U.S. Military Helicopter Crashes In Iraq, Killing 7 People
Updated at 7:50 a.m. ET
A U.S. military helicopter crashed after hitting a power line in Iraq's western Anbar province, killing all seven personnel aboard, the Pentagon said Friday.
Officials said the crash of the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter occurred Thursday afternoon near the town of Qaim.
"All personnel aboard were killed in the crash," Brig. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, director of operations, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a statement.
"This tragedy reminds us of the risks our men and women face every day in service of our nations," he said. "We are thinking of the loved ones of these service members today."
The statement said that "An accompanying U.S. helicopter immediately reported the crash and a quick reaction force comprised of Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition members secured the scene."
Names of the service members were being withheld until next of kin have been notified, it said.
NPR's Jane Arraf reports that Iraqi military officials believe that the helicopter went down due to a mechanical fault.
Article continues after sponsorship
The Associated Press adds:
Read All About It: Breaking News From NPR
When major news happens, stay on top of the latest developments, delivered to your inbox.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.