IDF now says Apache helicopter was downed by "friendly fire"
By israelinsider staff and partners July 25, 2006
Channel 10 reported that the IDF admitted that "friendly fire" -- a MLRS missile system launched by an army artillery unit -- was responsible for downing An Apache combat helicopter near Safed, killing two pilots.
The IDF had said previously the helicopter hit a power line, causing it to spiral out of control and crash into the ground, igniting on impact.
After the crash was reported, Hezbollah claimed that its members were behind the crash. IDF officials said the crash appeared to be an accident. Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on the area soon after.
Last week, two Apache attack helicopters collided in northern Israel near the Lebanon border, killing one air force officer and injuring three others. A total of four Israeli aircraft have crashed since Israel began its Lebanon offensive two weeks ago.
Click on the blue headline to read a Talkback comment and respond to it. Click on the icon to send a private email to the talkback writer. The icon appears only if the writer has decided to be contacted. If no popup window appears, please make sure your popup blocker allows israelinsider.com.
icon to send a private email to the talkback writer. The icon appears only if the writer has decided to be contacted. If no popup window appears, please make sure your popup blocker allows israelinsider.com.