Iraq TV shows downed Apache helicopter

Reuters | Sunday, March 23, 2003

[JohnHuang2]

Iraq TV shows downed Apache helicopter

BAGHDAD, March 24 (Reuters) - Iraqi television showed pictures on Monday of what it said was a downed "enemy" helicopter south of Baghdad.

The black Apache helicopter, which appeared intact, was still armed with guided missiles with U.S. markings on them. Iraqis waving rifles surrounded the aircraft, which normally carries a crew of two.

There were reports of helicopter strikes by U.S. forces south of Baghdad overnight.

[JohnHuang2]

Sunday, March 23, 2003

Quote of the Day by Erasmus

[wretchard]

Although I have not found exact times, the Apache attack on the Medina IRG division near Karabalah appears to have taken place at nighttime local, as it was being reported early in the morning, local time.

The action was reported by CNN, and at further length by an embedded NYT correspondent. The NYT report, which is somewhere on Freerepublic, gives off interesting atmospherics. It conveys the sense of rapid forward movement, and a concious reduction of Medina to achieve some unspecified tactical goal.

The most obvious guess is that V Corps is forcing the 6 IRG divisions around Baghdad to manuever, setting them up for the kill. In related developments, a SKY reporter recounted how 3rd ID has encountered Iraqis with new gasmasks and uniforms without insignia near Karbalah, near where this Apache was downed. Karbalah was a suspected chemical weapons site.

The campaign is moving to an extremely explosive climax.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

An image from Iraqi television shows what is purported to be a farmer being interviewed in front of a downed U.S. Apache attack helicopter south of Baghdad, March 24, 2003. A U.S. defense official confirmed that one Apache Longbow helicopter was down in Iraq (news - web sites), but had no comment on claims by Iraq that it had shot down a second attack helicopter. Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf appearing on Iraqi Television said 'Farmers shot down two Apaches. We showed one today and might show the second and the pilots.' (Iraqi TV/Reuters) - Mar 24 9:55 AM ET