Britischer Soldat in Irak bei Helikopterabsturz getötet
Basra (AFP) - Beim Absturz eines britischen Armeehubschraubers im Südirak ist am Montag ein Soldat getötet worden. Zwei weitere Briten seien bei dem Crash auf einem Flugplatz in der Stadt Basra verletzt worden, sagte ein Militärsprecher. Die Absturzursache war zunächst unklar.
noch um eine britishe Quelle ergänzt, aus der hervorgeht, daß es sich um eine "Puma"-Hubschrauber der 33 Squadron von RAF Benson, Oxfordshire handelte.
Somit sind, nach dieser Quelle bisher 61 britische Soldaten seit Beginn des Irak-Krieges umgekommen.
"British soldier killed in Iraq
A British soldier was killed in Iraq today a Puma helicopter crashed at Basra airport.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said it appeared "unlikely" that the aircraft was brought down by hostile action.
Two other RAF crew members were injured during the incident this morning at the airfield in southern Iraq.
Speaking during defence questions in the House of Commons, Mr Hoon told MPs: "It appears unlikely that hostile action was the case but it is too soon to confirm any other details."
Captain Hasham Hallawi, spokesman for UK forces in Basra, also said foul play was not suspected.
The fatality brings to 61 the number of British personnel killed since the start of the Iraqi conflict.
MoD staff in Iraq's second city said it could be weeks before the circumstances are established.
The helicopter was part of 33 Squadron from RAF Benson, Oxfordshire.
It is not known if the helicopter, commonly used for carrying troops, came down while attempting to take off or while at low altitude.
"What we know is that the helicopter crashed this morning local time, but there will have to be an investigation to determine why," said a spokesman. No other helicopters have been grounded as a result and the accident has not affected the way we are carrying out missions.""
Quelle:
annova.com