The Stinger, which can be carried by one person, has proved capable of shooting down helicopters and jet bombers.

"This guy shot down some fighters and helicopters," Stoica reminded his backseater.

They need U.N. authority to shoot down helicopters as well as fixed-wing planes.

First, stopping Saddam Hussein's forces is not a simple question of shooting down Iraqi aircraft and helicopters.

Those groups have been mounting ambushes, triggering roadside bombs and shooting down American helicopters.

Plus, you get to shoot down helicopters.

Did Mr. Bush, nonetheless, make a mistake in not shooting down Iraqi aircraft and helicopters?

The guerrillas, who have supply routes and bases here in neighboring Pakistan, say they also shot down several helicopters and planes during the fighting.

The United States urged Iraq to reconsider, but said it would not shoot down civilian helicopters.

Military officials say some of the detainees have been accused of serious offenses, including shooting down helicopters and planting roadside bombs.