The two crew members of a US Apache helicopter which was shot down in Iraq earlier today have been confirmed killed.
A US military spokesman said the helicopter was downed by "unknown ground fire" at 11:05 am (0705 Irish Time). Apaches normally carry a crew of two and can be armed with missiles and automatic cannon.
US troops and Sunni Muslim guerrillas have fought fierce battles this week on the western fringe of Baghdad and in the cities of Falluja and Ramadi.
Heavy fighting was taking place in the area for the third day, the US military said.
US troops blocked traffic on the main highway out of Baghdad after the attack. Large palls of black smoke were seen rising from the nearby area of Abu Ghraib, where at least four helicopters were seen hovering overhead.