Over 36 soldiers killed in deadliest day in Iraq

A U.S. Marine helicopter crashed during the pre-dawn hours in western Iraq (near the town of Rutbah, 354 km west of Baghdad) in a desert sandstorm. 31 US troops killed in this chopper crash. This deadly accident took the life of 30 Marines and one Navy sailor aboard. The crash occurred around 1:20 a.m. (2220 GMT) when a U.S. Marine transport helicopter, carrying troops from the 1st Marine Division on a security mission in support of Sunday’s elections. According to Marine Corps, the copter was involved “security and stabilization operations” at about 150 kilometers from the Jordanian border. A Pentagon source said the helicopter was a CH-53 Sea Stallion, which is normally configured to carry 37 passengers, but can take up to 55. Since the March 2003 invasion, at least 23 US aircraft have crashed in Iraq, with the loss of some 80 troops.

The authorities have not announced officially any possible cause of the crash, but indactions are going toward the bad weather in the area. A weather map showed that there were sandstorms Wednesday in western Iraq near the Jordanian border where the crash took place, the US military said. An investigation is in progress. Military officials said a search and rescue team was at the site and an investigation was under way. “I’ll let the military provide information to you about what they know at this point. They’re investigating the matter,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan said earlier. While in one other incident six other American military personnel died in insurgent ambushes. It’s the deadliest day for US forces since the Iraq war began.

This day prompted a plea by President Bush for American patience with the war effort on “a very discouraging day.” At a news conference at the White House, President Bush commented on Wednesday’s deaths. “The story today is going to be very discouraging to the American people. I understand that. We value life. And we weep and mourn when soldiers lose their life,” said Mr. Bush. But the president said the United States will continue with its mission to establish security and democracy in Iraq. “That mission is to enable Iraq to defend herself from terrorists, home grown or terrorists that come in from outside of the country,” he added. Calling the election a ‘‘grand moment in Iraqi history’’, Bush said at a news conference: ‘‘I urge all people to vote. I urge people to defy the terrorists…They have no clear view of a better future. They’re afraid of a free society.’’

In a separate interview with the Arabic satellite news channel Al Arabiya, Mr. Bush commented on both the helicopter crash and Sunday’s election: “Today, a tragic helicopter accident is a reminder of the risks inherent in military operations. We mourn the loss of life. “But I am convinced we’re doing the right thing by helping Iraq become a free country, because a free Iraq will have long-term effects in the world, and it will help the people of Iraq realize their dreams and aspirations and hopes.”