Military Says Helicopter Crashes in Iraq

U.S. Military Says Helicopter Crashes North of Baghdad After Coming Under Small Arms Fire
An American helicopter was shot down Thursday night near Baghdad while another was hit but landed safely, the U.S. military said. There was no word on the conditions of those aboard the downed aircraft.An announcement said that two Task Force Liberty helicopters were struck by small arms fire at 10:50 p.m. while conducting operations in support of coalition forces near Baqouba, 35 miles northeast of Baghdad.It said one helicopter, an OH-58 Kiowa carrying two people, landed safely at nearby base after sustaining damage.The statement didn't say if anyone was injured aboard the Kiowa nor did it provide any details of the other crashed aircraft, including the number of people aboard and the type of helicopter. The "status of the aircrew is unknown at this time," it said."Coalition forces responded to the scene and secured the site," the announcement said.