BAGHDAD (AP) -- Islamic State group militants armed with a rocket launcher shot down an Iraqi military attack helicopter Friday in the country's north and killed two pilots, the Defense Ministry said, highlighting their ability to attack aircraft as a U.S.-led coalition expands its efforts to combat the extremists.<br />
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The helicopter crashed outside the town of Beiji near the Iraqi city of Tikrit, killing two people, Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Askari told state-run Iraqiyya TV, adding that an investigation into the incident is underway.<br />
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An official with the Defense Ministry told The Associated Press the militants downed the Mi-35 helicopter between the towns of Beiji and al-Senniyah. An official with the Iraqi air force corroborated the information, saying the helicopter's pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash.<br />
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Beiji, located 200 kilometers (130 miles) north of Baghdad, is home to Iraq's biggest oil refinery. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to speak with journalists. Supporters of the Islamic State group on social media also reported the helicopter being shot down.
