7 US troops killed in Iraq copter crash
washington — Seven US troops were killed when the helicopter carrying them crashed in western Iraq, a US defence official said on Friday.
“There were seven people aboard, they are all believed to be dead,” the official said, adding they were US service members.
“It was a routine troop transport operation going from Iraq to Syria, nothing out of the ordinary.”
A Pentagon statement said the crash involved a Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk and did not appear to be a result of enemy activity.
An accompanying US helicopter reported the crash and a quick reaction force comprised of Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition members secured the scene.
“This tragedy reminds us of the risks our men and women face every day in service of our nations. We are thinking of the loved ones of these service members today,” Brigadier-General Jonathan Braga said.
“We are grateful to the Iraqi Security Forces for their immediate assistance in response to this tragic incident.”
The identities of those killed will be released after next of kin are notified. WASHINGTON — Seven US troops were killed when the helicopter carrying them crashed in western Iraq, a US defence official said on Friday.
“There were seven people aboard, they are all believed to be dead,” the official said, adding they were US service members.
“It was a routine troop transport operation going from Iraq to Syria, nothing out of the ordinary.”
A Pentagon statement said the crash involved a Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk and did not appear to be a result of enemy activity.
An accompanying US helicopter reported the crash and a quick reaction force comprised of Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition members secured the scene.
“This tragedy reminds us of the risks our men and women face every day in service of our nations. We are thinking of the loved ones of these service members today,” Brigadier-General Jonathan Braga said.
“We are grateful to the Iraqi Security Forces for their immediate assistance in response to this tragic incident.”
The identities of those killed will be released after next of kin are notified.