A U.S. helicopter used for special operations was reported as having crashed early on Monday in Iraq and injured several members of its staff, Newsweek reported.
No details have been revealed why the helicopter crashed; however, American military sources familiar with the event have said that the MH-60 Blackhawk carried out a small-scale raid and was returning shortly after.
Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman, U.S. Army Colonel Sean Ryan, told media that a helicopter crash took place but gave out no additional information.
An anonymous source said that the crash was probably a mechanical error and added that there was no enemy ground fire when the Blackhawk went down.
The helicopter was being flown by U.S. Army pilots from the Night Stalkers, formally known as the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, along with ten members of military staff.
An official said that several members had to be medically evacuated to Baghdad—two military members were classified as “continuing mission,” meaning they had either light injuries or no injuries and could return to full duty.
Search and rescue operations have been completed, and officials are in the process of trying to recover the airframe of the helicopter.
Defense Department regulations mandate a 12-hour safety stand-down before resuming normal operations. There is no indication that the stand down will be extended at this time.
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