rotornut
11th Apr 2004, 11:19
Gunmen Shoot Down U.S. Helicopter in Iraq
By LOURDES NAVARRO
Associated Press Writer
FALLUJAH, Iraq (AP) -- Gunmen shot down a U.S. attack helicopter during fighting in western Baghdad on Sunday, and the fate of its two-member crew was unknown. Insurgents and Marines called a cease-fire in the besieged city of Fallujah, though the peace was shaken by sniper fire.
A pall of black smoke rose on Baghdad's western edge where a military spokesman said the A8-64 Apache helicopter was downed by ground fire in the morning. More helicopters circled overhead, while U.S. troops closed off the main highway - a key supply route into the capital.
"The condition of the (Apache's) crew is unknown," the spokesman said.
Heavy firing was heard, and tanks and Humvees moved into the area, near the suburb of Abu Ghraib, where masked gunmen have wreaked havoc for the past three days, attacking fuel convoys and blowing up tanker trucks. Insurgents kidnapped an American civilian and killed a U.S. soldier in the area Friday.
By LOURDES NAVARRO
Associated Press Writer
FALLUJAH, Iraq (AP) -- Gunmen shot down a U.S. attack helicopter during fighting in western Baghdad on Sunday, and the fate of its two-member crew was unknown. Insurgents and Marines called a cease-fire in the besieged city of Fallujah, though the peace was shaken by sniper fire.
A pall of black smoke rose on Baghdad's western edge where a military spokesman said the A8-64 Apache helicopter was downed by ground fire in the morning. More helicopters circled overhead, while U.S. troops closed off the main highway - a key supply route into the capital.
"The condition of the (Apache's) crew is unknown," the spokesman said.
Heavy firing was heard, and tanks and Humvees moved into the area, near the suburb of Abu Ghraib, where masked gunmen have wreaked havoc for the past three days, attacking fuel convoys and blowing up tanker trucks. Insurgents kidnapped an American civilian and killed a U.S. soldier in the area Friday.