US helicopter 'shot down in Iraq'

The US military today said it was investigating Iraq reports of a US helicopter being shot down north of Baghdad.

The statement came after police and witnesses reported that at least one helicopter had been shot down today in the area surrounding Taji, an air base 12 miles north of the capital. Some witnesses described two helicopters going down.

“I can confirm that we are looking into reports that a helicopter went down north of Baghdad,” said US military spokeswoman Lt. Col. Josslyn Aberle.

Police and witnesses said the area had been sealed off by American forces and US planes were flying overhead.