All seven aboard military personals were killed when a U.S. twin-rotor CH-46 Sea Knight Marine transport helicopter went down somewhere between Baghdad and Fallujah, the insurgent stronghold of Anbar province, at about 10:40 a.m. local time.
Situation in Iraq is just slipping out of control given that at least five American military or security choppers were either crashed or shot down by the rebellious groups since mid-January, killing more than 25 US servicemen and private security contractors.
The self-styled Islamic State of Iraq’s so-called ‘air defense brigade’ may have claimed the responsibility for shooting down the helicopter, the US officials have not yet completely ruled out the possibility of some mechanical problem.
The investigation is still on as US officials still are not certain whether some technical problems or insurgent strike caused the break down of CH-46.
The choppers are like a lifeline for the US troops in Iraq as they not only help moving the troops in different battlegrounds safely but backs ground forces in warfare with the rebellious factions.
Gen. Peter Pace, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, let earlier know the Senate Armed Services Committee,
I do not know whether or not it is the law of averages that caught up with us or if there’s been a change in tactics, techniques and procedures on the part of the enemy.
Meanwhile, the US forces in Iraq officially proclaimed the new Baghdad security operation that would only be commenced step by step. Major-General William Caldwell, US military spokesman, said,
It is not going to be a sudden effort, it will be a gradual effort. People have to be patient. Portions are already being put in place, and we’ll continue to put more into place as the forces arrive and the assets become available.
Via: Topix
