British destroy own aircraft damaged by an explosion of unknown origin in Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/16691465.htm

British destroy own aircraft in Iraq

ROBERT BARR
Associated Press

LONDON - A British Hercules airplane was damaged while landing in southeastern Iraq and later destroyed by coalition forces because of the risk of mounting a recovery operation, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

Two people suffered minor injuries in the incident Monday night, the ministry said.

There was no immediate indication of hostile action, the ministry said, but it had not been ruled out.

The C-130 had just touched down at an airstrip in Maysan province when it was damaged by an explosion of unknown origin, said a ministry spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with department policy.

[derby378]

1. That is just a tad weird...

[Tin Man]

2. Damaged during landing in unsecured, hostile territory - consequently destroyed to prevent capture.

from Wiki Maysan province...the region of farmland and marshes has been a chokepoint for munitions and people entering Iraq from Iran. Political control has been fiercely contested by followers of Abdul Aziz al-Hakim and Muqtada al-Sadr. Mr. Sadr’s allies dominate the 42-member provincial council, and the governor is a former Mahdi Army commander. But the police chief is a former Badr Organization member, and many of his policemen pledge loyalty to that militia

My note: C-130 aircraft are capable of landings on unimproved runways (prepared dirt strips, highways). Considered in concert with the information that the damaged aircraft was intentionally destroyed after sustaining damage upon landing - leads me to believe that the aircraft may have been ferrying troops/material for a clandestine mission into an unsecured landing zone; in support of a mission to either securing the border with Iran, prevent the escape of Al Sadr, or both.

In a militarily unsecured environment, if the equipment is damaged beyond ability to repair, and without capability for egress - the situation mandates its destruction to prevent capture by enemy forces. Set it afire and walk away.

[soothsayer]

3. Unsecured, hostile territory? bbbb-but "mission accomplished"!