WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. officials in Iraq said Wednesday a Marine Corps helicopter was shot down by hostile fire.
The Marine CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashed on Feb. 7 killing seven U.S. service members. It was the fifth U.S. helicopter downed by enemy fire since Jan. 20.
"Initial evidence indicated that the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter went down as a result of mechanical failure. After further investigation using all available means, the cause of the incident has been confirmed to be hostile fire," said Marine Maj. Jeff Pool, a Multinational Force West spokesman according to a report from the American Forces Press Service.
Officials from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) determined the cause of the crash, according to a news release from Multinational Corps Iraq.
The pilots of the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter that was providing escort for the CH-46 troop-transport helicopter did not witness the actual attack but did observe the fire, descent and subsequent crash. Officials said that the initial signs resembled fires caused by mechanical difficulties that have occurred aboard CH-46s in the past, AFPS said.
"Because of the sensitive operational nature of the recent events, speculation as to capabilities of the enemy's weapons, or our tactics to counter them, will not be discussed to guard the safety of our service members," the news release from Multinational Corps Iraq stated.
