One killed in fired-upon plane

A US Air Force C-130 transport plane was hit by small arms fire after taking off from Baghdad International Airport today, killing at least one person aboard.

The aircraft was struck about 12 miles west of the airport, US officials said. The aircraft returned to Baghdad airport and landed safely.

Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, coalition deputy operations chief, confirmed the attack but did not specify the exact location.

He said that “one of the personnel” aboard was wounded and later died. He did not say how many people were on the plane.

Pilots have in the past reported ground fire near the airport.