US military confirms transport chopper down in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Feb 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. military confirmed on Wednesday that a transport helicopter had come down near Baghdad but declined comment on any casualties.
"We have a CH-46 that is down," U.S. military spokesman Major-General William Caldwell told reporters, referring to the twin-rotor Sea Knight, the Marine version of the Chinook, which can carry up to 55 passengers and two crew.
U.S. military says copter down in Iraq
By KIM GAMEL, Associated Press Writer 4 minutes ago
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A Sea Knight helicopter went down northwest of Baghdad on Wednesday, the military said, the fifth helicopter lost in Iraq in just over two weeks.
The CH-46 helicopter went down about 20 miles northwest of the capital, U.S. military spokesman Maj. Gen. William Caldwell said, but he declined to comment on casualties.
"A quick reaction force is on site and the investigation is going on as we speak," he said. "It would probably be inappropriate for me to talk about whether or not there are or are not casualties."
Witnesses said the helicopter had been shot down in a field in the Sheik Amir area northwest of Baghdad, sending smoke rising from the scene, in a Sunni-dominated area between the Taji air base, 12 miles north of Baghdad, and Garma, 20 miles west of the capital. and Garma, 20 miles to the west of the capital.
"The helicopter was flying and passed over us, then we heard the firing of a missile," said Mohammad al-Janabi, a farmer who was speaking less than a half-mile from the wreckage. "The helicopter, then, turned into a ball of fire. It flew in a circle twice, then it went down."
Hey Reuters, a 46 is not a version of the 47. They do sort of look alike but then a Robin and a Blue Jay sort of look alike.
Prayers for those on board.