11 dead as rebels bring down copter

Guerrillas shot down a Bulgarian commercial helicopter in Iraq on Thursday, killing all 11 on board including six Americans, the aircraft8217;s Bulgarian owner said.

The Russian-built Mi-8 Helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade as it flew over a deserted area north of Baghdad, Bulgarian officials and the US Military said. It was believed to be the first downing of a civilian aircraft in Iraq.

A militant group said it had shot down the helicopter. 8216;8216;The Islamic Army in Iraq claims responsibility for bringing down a 8230; cargo aircraft and killing all those on board,8217;8217; said the short posting on a website often used by Iraqi rebels. Authenticity of the statement could not be verified but it was posted by a user who often releases such statements. Insurgents frequently fire on US aircraft in Iraq. 8212; Reuters