US helicopter crash kills 2 Marines in Iraq
RAMADI, Iraq (Reuters) - A U.S. helicopter crashed in the area of Ramadi west of Baghdad on Wednesday killing two Marines, the U.S. military said.
A military statement said the AH-1W "Super Cobra" helicopter crashed at around 8.15 am (0515 GMT) and both of the two man crew were killed.
"The cause of the crash is under investigation," the statement said.
But witnesses said the helicopter had come under fire from the ground before it crashed but there was no independent confirmation of that.
"The incident occurred while the two-man crew was flying in support of security and stabilization operations," the U.S. statement said.
Eyewitnesses in Ramadi said the helicopter came down in the Albo Ubaid district of the city and U.S. forces quickly cordoned off the area while more helicopters flew overhead.