US chopper pilot wounded in assault on Iraqi positions north of Najaf

SOUTHWEST IRAQ (AFP) Mar 31, 2003
A pilot of a US Apache helicopter was wounded Monday when small-arms fire hit his aircraft during a land and air assault on Iraqi positions north of the central city of Najaf, US officers here said.

The pilot suffered two wounds to the face but was not severely injured and was able to return to base, according to a battalion commander of the 101st Airborne Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Richardson.

Richardson added that other Apaches were continuing to hit Iraqi positions as part of a mission to give air support to US ground troops in the area.

"They are engaging at this time," he told AFP.

"It's low-intensity outside the city."

Richardson said at least five bullets struck the damaged Apache as it flew north of the Shiite Muslim holy city of Najaf as part of a mission giving air support to US ground troops in the area.

Soldiers said the shot-up helicopter had been unable to respond to the Iraqi fire because its weapons system failed after being struck.

Richardson said the Apache was struck by small-arms fire that appeared to have come from houses and buildings in the area. He did not identify the Iraqi forces.

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