Six civilians killed by U.S. helicopters in Iraq

Photo: Six civilians killed by U.S. helicopters in Iraq

At least 6 civilians were among those 1 Iraqis killed in Northern Baghdad on Tuesday – U.S. helicopters opened fire on a group of men observed planting roadside bombs.

The suspected militants ran into a nearby house after the initial engagement and the Apache helicopter continued to fire at them, said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, a military spokeswoman in the area.

Six civilians and five military aged men were killed and five people were wounded and evacuated to a hospital in nearby Tikrit, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Baghdad, she said, adding it was unclear how many of the men were in the group planting the roadside bombs.

Kageleiry had said eight military aged men were among those killed but later revised the figure to five and said an investigation was under way.

She expressed regret for the deaths of the civilians but blamed the insurgents for putting their lives in danger by running into the house to escape attack by the U.S. forces.