Seven die after U.S. chopper goes down in Iraq

[brettdale]

Seven die after U.S. chopper goes down in Iraq


http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/02/07/iraq.main/index.html


BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Seven people were killed Wednesday when a Marine CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter went down outside Baghdad during "routine operations," the U.S. military said.

Crew members and passengers were among those on the chopper, and the military said the cause of the incident is under investigation.

An umbrella insurgent group claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter in Anbar province and "burning it down completely," according to a claim posted on various Islamist Web sites.

CNN was unable to confirm the authenticity of the statement from the group, which includes al Qaeda in Iraq.