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Helicopter Crashes In Iraq


27 June 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The U.S. military says a U.S. Apache attack helicopter has crashed in Iraq.

Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Kent said the crash today of an AH-64 helicopter, which carries a crew of two, occurred northwest of Taji, a military air base north of Baghdad.

He said it is not yet clear if there have been any casualties or what the cause of the accident was.

The incident occurred one day after U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said it may take up to 12 years for Iraqis to defeat the continuing insurgency.

In Baghdad today, the international airport reopened following a two-day shutdown over a contract dispute between the Iraqi government and a London-based firm that ensures security.

Commercial traffic at the airport was halted after London-based Global Strategies pressed Iraqi officials for several months' worth of pay the group said it was owed.

(compiled from agency reports)

For the latest news and analysis on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".

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