Eight die as US troops battle Iraqi militants

Eight people died and 50 were wounded when US and Iraqi forces clashed with rebels in northern Iraq today after they launched an operation to destroy an alleged militant cell in the northern town of Tal Afar.

A US observation Kiowa helicopter was hit by enemy fire and forced to make an emergency landing amid the fighting, said US Army Captain Angla Bowman. The aircraft’s two crew members were wounded, she said.