US helicopter downed in Iraq

Baghdad: A US army helicopter with nine personnel on board went down south of Baghdad on Thursday, and four personnel were injured.

The incident happenedin an insurgent stronghold near Latifiya, 40 km south of Baghdad.

Witnesses reported seeing heavy gunfire force the aircraft down

Insurgents shot down eight helicopters during a month-long period earlier this year, killing 28 people, mainly American soldiers.

Six were US military helicopters and two belonged to a private American security firm.