Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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US Helicopter Crashes Near Baghdad; Crew's Fate Unknown
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=109B974:3919ACA Witnesses tell
reporters that a rocket hit the helicopter before it went down A U.S.
military helicopter has crashed near Baghdad. There is no word on the
fate of its two-man crew.

The U.S. military is investigating the early Monday morning crash, a
few kilometers north of the Iraqi capital.

Witnesses said they believe a rocket hit the helicopter, and an
insurgent group said it shot down the aircraft.  The group's Internet
statement of responsibility has not been authenticated. 

Two U.S. pilots died last week when their helicopter was shot down
near Mosul -- an attack claimed by the terrorist group al-Qaida in
Iraq.

On the political front, Iraqi election officials are preparing to
report on their investigation of charges that fraud tainted last
month's parliamentary vote.

Final election results are expected later this month.  Initial returns
showed a strong lead for a coalition of Shi'ite groups. Some
information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.


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