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7 US Soldiers Killed in Iraq Copter Crash

Military has ruled out hostile fire in the Chinook accident

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 18, 2008 8:04 AM CDT

(AP) – Seven US soldiers were killed in southern Iraq today when their helicopter crashed, the AP reports. "At this time we are uncertain of the cause, but hostile fire has been ruled out," a military spokesman said. The crash occurred shortly after midnight in a desert under British military control, as a four-helicopter convoy was heading from Kuwait to a military base north of Baghdad.

A British quick reaction force and road convoy were dispatched to help American officials at the site, and an investigation is under way. The helicopter accident is the deadliest for US troops since August 2007, when a Black Hawk crashed in northern Iraq, killing all 14 soldiers aboard. The military has not yet released the names of those killed today.

(Yuko Yajima)

Seven American soldiers were killed in southern Iraq aboard a Chinook helicopter similar to the one pictured. (AP Photo/Boeing)

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7 US Soldiers Killed in Iraq Copter Crash

Military has ruled out hostile fire in the Chinook accident

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Aircraft crashes have become less common in Iraq

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Military has ruled out hostile fire in the Chinook accident

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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More Newser Stories

As US Leaves Iraq, It Eyes a Beefier Gulf Presence

US military looking to increase defense ties with states around region

Saddam Sought Soviet Help in '91

Declassified records reveal attempt to head off US attack

Iraq to Pay $400M to Saddam's US Victims

Deal will help lift UN sanctions

Last US Combat Brigade Leaves Iraq

Military mission ending after 7 years, 5 months

US Soldier Killed in Iraq Blackhawk Crash

Aircraft crashes have become less common in Iraq

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Newser By Users

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