The United States, in an
escalation of its military involvement in Iraq, today sent attack helicopters
into combat against Islamic State targets west of Baghdad. CENTCOM, in a
statement about U.S. operations against ISIL, provided few details about the
helicopters. But AH-64 Apache attack helicopters were deployed to Baghdad
International Airport in June, and are believed to be used in combat today. The
gunships were used to counter Islamic State advance at Abu Gharib, located west
of Baghdad and in artillery range of the airport.
The helicopters carry a
two-man crew and with their missiles and canon provide powerful and accurate firepower
against their targets. Because they fly low and slow, however, they present
greater risk for the crew than fighters and bombers and involve the United States closer
to ground combat against the Islamic State.
File photo: AH-64 Apache
attack helicopter (Boeing)
