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US helicopters 'collide' in Iraq UK helicopters 'collide' in Iraq
(about 2 hours later)
Two US helicopters have crashed after an apparent mid-air collision north of Baghdad, killing two soldiers and wounding five more, the US said. Two UK helicopters have crashed after an apparent mid-air collision north of Baghdad, killing two crew members and wounding five, the UK has said.
The helicopters came down in the early hours of the morning near a US military base south-west of Taji. The helicopters came down in the early morning near a US base south-west of Taji. Early reports said the helicopters and troops were American.
An investigation was under way but the crash did not appear to be the result of "enemy fire", a US statement said. An investigation was under way but the crash did not appear to be the result of "enemy fire", the US said earlier.
Meanwhile two car bombs and a mortar exploded in southern Baghdad killing at least 15 people, Iraqi police said. Two car bombs and a mortar exploded in Baghdad killing at least 15 people.
Another 50 people were injured in the attacks, which came in quick succession in a market in the mainly Shia Al-Shurta al-Arabaa district. Women and children were among the casualties. Another 50 people were injured in the attacks, which came in quick succession in a market in the southern mainly Shia Al-Shurta al-Arabaa district, police said. Women and children were among the casualties.
The second bomb hit as rescuers were trying to cope with the aftermath of the first and get people to hospital.The second bomb hit as rescuers were trying to cope with the aftermath of the first and get people to hospital.
Reports are coming in of a third bomb, but there are no indications yet about casualties.Reports are coming in of a third bomb, but there are no indications yet about casualties.
The attacks came a day after a suicide attack on a crowded market in the Shia holy city of Karbala, which is now known to have killed 42 people, and a truck bomb attack on a bridge in southern Baghdad.The attacks came a day after a suicide attack on a crowded market in the Shia holy city of Karbala, which is now known to have killed 42 people, and a truck bomb attack on a bridge in southern Baghdad.
Car and suicide bombs have occurred almost daily in Baghdad in recent months, despite a US-led security crackdown which began in February.Car and suicide bombs have occurred almost daily in Baghdad in recent months, despite a US-led security crackdown which began in February.
The security surge does, however, appear to have reduced sectarian killings in the city.The security surge does, however, appear to have reduced sectarian killings in the city.
Cause for concernCause for concern
The US military gave no details about the types of helicopter involved in Sunday's apparent collision. No details have been released about the types of helicopter involved in Sunday's apparent collision.
The US has lost more than 50 helicopters in Iraq since the 2003 invasion with the loss of a number of soldiers.The US has lost more than 50 helicopters in Iraq since the 2003 invasion with the loss of a number of soldiers.
At least 11 were downed in the first two months of this year, most as a result of enemy fire.At least 11 were downed in the first two months of this year, most as a result of enemy fire.
The BBC's Jonathan Charles in Baghdad says helicopters are crucial to coalition operations in this part of Iraq, and the losses have been a cause for concern for the military.The BBC's Jonathan Charles in Baghdad says helicopters are crucial to coalition operations in this part of Iraq, and the losses have been a cause for concern for the military.