16 March 2018•Update: 17 March 2018
WASHINGTON
Seven U.S. troops were killed yesterday in a helicopter crash in western Iraq, the anti-Daesh coalition confirmed Friday.
According to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF–OIR), an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter with seven personnel on board went down near al-Qaim, a town in Anbar province close to the Syrian border, and the incident does not appear to be the result of enemy fire.
"All personnel aboard were killed in the crash," CJTF–OIR director of operations Brig. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga said in a written statement.
He added that an accompanying U.S. helicopter reported the crash and necessary security measures were taken at the scene in coordination with the Iraqi Security Forces.
"We are grateful to the Iraqi Security Forces for their immediate assistance in response to this tragic incident," said Braga.
"The Iraqi Security Forces continue to demonstrate their professionalism, capabilities and flexibility as we continue the fight towards a lasting defeat of Daesh."
The names of the troops who died in the crash will be released by the Pentagon after their families have been informed.
