BAGHDAD - Two US army pilots were killed when their helicopter crash landed at an American base in Salaheddin province in central Iraq, the military said in a statement on Monday.
"Two US army pilots were killed when a helicopter experienced a hard landing," in Salaheddin, the statement said without giving further details.
The latest deaths take to 4,361 the number of American soldiers killed since the beginning of the 2003 US-led invasion, according to a tally based on the website icasualties.org.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama congratulated Iraqi MPs Sunday on approving a new law to govern 2010 general elections, saying it was an important step towards ensuring a lasting peace.
"This is an important milestone as the Iraqi people continue to take responsibility for their future. I want to congratulate Iraq's leaders for reaching this agreement," Obama said.
The election, due to be held in early 2010, is ahead of a withdrawal of US combat troops by August and a complete pullout by the end of 2011.
The vote is set for January 16 but the date has been thrown into doubt because of delays and wrangling over the system to be used in what will be the second national poll since 2003.
"Tough challenges remain," Obama said, adding he expected there will be "difficult days to come."
"But this agreement advances the political progress that can bring lasting peace and unity to Iraq and allow for the orderly and responsible transition of American combat troops out of Iraq by next September."
Vice President Joe Biden also congratulated the Iraqi leadership.
"I congratulate Iraqi political leaders on today's passage of amendments to the Iraq elections law. Today's vote by the members of the Council of Representatives will allow for parliamentary elections in January 2010, as mandated under the Iraqi constitution.
"These elections will be a critical step forward in advancing national unity and forming an inclusive government," Biden said, adding: "Our commitment and friendship to Iraq remain strong."
The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 is viewed by critics as an 'act of aggression' that violated international law.
Subsequent US occupation policies caused the country to descend into almost total chaos, bordering on civil war.
An estimated 1.3 million Iraqis have been killed in Iraq as a direct result of the invasion, while millions more have fled the country.
Critics argue that the recent stability announced in the country should not excuse the 'crime' of invading Iraq, calling for the prosecution of the war's architects for 'crimes against humanity'.
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