U.S. Apache helicopter down in Iraq, two killed

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/GRA730892.htm

BAGHDAD, June 27 (Reuters) - A U.S. Apache attack helicopter crashed in Iraq on Monday, killing its two-man crew, the U.S. military said.

"We had a helicopter crash northwest of Taji," Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Kent, spokesman for the 3rd Infantry Division said, referring to a major airbase north of Baghdad.

Local people said they saw two helicopters circling before one crashed out of the sky just north of Baghdad.

"I saw a missile hit one of the helicopters and black smoke come from it before it went down," said one man, who gave his name as Abu Mustafa.