Crash of US helicopters in Iraq kills 4 Americans

BAGHDAD - Two U.S. helicopters crashed Monday in northern Iraq, killing four American troops in the deadliest single loss of life for U.S. forces in more than four months.
The military said the crash “does not appear to be by enemy action.” The deaths underscored the noncombat dangers that face the U.S. military along with continued attacks as U.S. forces begin to leave.
On Monday, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he expects the U.S. to withdraw faster than the three-year timeline laid down in the U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
President Barack Obama campaigned on a promise to remove all combat troops within 16 months and has asked the Pentagon to plan for “a responsible military drawdown from Iraq.”
At a political rally, al-Maliki said Iraqi forces must be bolstered with that in mind. He said he expected the dates for the U.S. departure “will be brought forward ... compared with the dates set down in the agreement.”