Iraq helicopter crash kills 14 US soldiers

Fourteen US soldiers were killed when a helicopter crashed in northern Iraq today, the military said.

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was carrying four crew members and 10 passengers when it went down during a night-time operation, according to a statement.

The military said initial indications showed the aircraft experienced a mechanical problem and there were no indications of hostile fire, but the cause was still under investigation.

The 14 soldiers killed were assigned to Task Force Lightning, the military said.