Three separate Iraqi groups claim to have shot down the helicopter

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16753508.htm

Qaeda, Iraq groups claim downed US helicopter -Web

DUBAI, Jan 16 (Reuters) - An al Qaeda-led group and two less-known Iraqi insurgent organisations issued separate claims for Monday's downing of a U.S. helicopter and one issued a video which it said showed the attack, according to Web postings.

"Your brothers ... in the Mujahideen Council shot down a Chinook helicopter using a Strela missile north of Baghdad," said an Internet statement attributed to the group newly set up by al Qaeda in Iraq and five other militant groups. A video posted by another group, called the Mujahideen Army, appeared to show a missile being fired at a helicopter that burst into flames at a distance and crashed, leaving behind a plume of smoke.

A third group, Salaheddin al-Ayubi Brigades, earlier issued an Internet statement claiming what appeared to be the same attack north of Baghdad.

"Your brothers in one of the units of the Salaheddin al-Ayubi Brigades ... shot down an Apache helicopter in the Mishahda area with missiles," said an Internet statement attributed to the group, which has claimed a number of attacks.

The three statements' authenticity could not be verified.

I just have a suspicion that one of these "groups" is a phony propaganda operation being run by the CIA. Specifically the al Qaeda group. Why the hell would the Iraqis be calling themselves al Qaeda? My BS meter is pegging.

[FloridaPat]

1. Yes. Everything I hear from al Qaeda I take with a box of salt.

However, was only one helicopter shot down? I'm wondering since 2 Iraqi groups claim they shot one down.