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Iraq crash kills 14 US soldiers Fourteen US soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash overnight in northern Iraq, the US military has said. The UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter carrying 10 soldiers and four crewmembers crashed after experiencing a mechanical malfunction, a US statement said. There were reportedly no indications of hostile fire and the cause of the malfunction is under investigation. The Task Force Lightning helicopter was one of two Blackhawks carrying out a night operation, the military added.

A 23-year-old Rockport soldier was among 14 killed Wednesday when their helicopter crashed in northern Iraq while on an overnight operation, according to the family's pastor. Garrett Ian McLead's parents were notified Wednesday morning that their eldest son had died, said the Rev. Charles Fake of Rockport's First Baptist Church. "They knew he was in a dangerous place," the pastor said. "Not too long ago, his friend got shot while standing next to him. But they still weren't prepared for that. Right now, we're just so shocked by it all." Fake said McLead's parents, Patrick and Patricia McLead, and younger...

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Around 10,000 US and Iraqi troops launched a major air and ground assault on Al-Qaeda networks in and around the restive city of Baquba, northeast of Baghdad, on Tuesday, the US military said. "Task Force Lightning commenced Operation Arrowhead Ripper today in a large-scale effort to eliminate Al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating in Baquba and its surrounding areas," the military said. "Approximately 10,000 soldiers, with a full complement of attack helicopters, close air support, Strykers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, are taking part in Arrowhead Ripper, which is still in its opening stages."