2 Task Force Marne pilots killed

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Two U.S. army chopper pilots have been killed as a result of an accident in northern Iraq, according to an official statement. The accident occurred near a U.S. base in northern Iraq. “The aircraft made a hard landing inside the base. There were no enemy forces present and no hostile fire was reported,” according to a statement published on the official web site of the United States Forces-Iraq. “The accident is under investigation and release of the Soldiers’ identities are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin,” it noted. “The Task Force Marne command team mourns the loss of these two aviators and extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to their Families,” it added. SS (P) 2