U.S. Copter Downed in Najaf A U.S. helicopter is shot down during hours of fierce fighting in the Iraqi city of Najaf, where Iraqi police battled fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Injuries are reported in the downing of the helicopter, but no deaths. U.S. Marines are called in for backup as fighting escalates. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

U.S. Helicopter Downed in Najaf Fighting

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A U.S. helicopter is shot down during hours of fierce fighting in the Iraqi city of Najaf, where Iraqi police battled fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Injuries are reported in the downing of the helicopter, but no deaths. U.S. Marines are called in for backup as fighting escalates. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

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