7 US soldiers killed

SEVEN American soldiers were killed in southern Iraq when their helicopter crashed as it was flying into the country from Kuwait, the US military said.

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter did not come under attack, the military said. It believes the crash was an accident.

“At this time we are uncertain of the cause, but hostile fire has been ruled out,” military spokesman Major John Hall said. “The other three helicopters in the flight did not have incident or injury.”

The four-helicopter convoy was flying from Kuwait to the US military base at Balad north of Baghdad when the crash occurred. The seven who died were the only people on board. The Chinook is designed to transport troops and supplies to combat. The crash occurred in an area under British military control.

“It is a tough day for the coalition and we are deeply saddened by the loss of our soldiers,” said Col Bill Buckner.