On Monday two U.S. helicopters crashed in northern Iraq, killing four American troops.

This is the deadliest single loss of life for U.S. forces in more than four months.

According to the military the crash does not appear to be by enemy action. The deaths underscored the noncombat dangers that face the U.S. military along with continued attacks as U.S. forces begin to leave.

Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, said he expects the United States to withdraw faster than the three-year timeline laid down in the U.S.-Iraq security agreement.

President Barack Obama campaigned on a promise to remove all combat troops within 16 months and has asked the Pentagon to plan for a responsible military drawdown from Iraq.

According to al-Maliki at a political party rally, this date will be brought forward.

The number of Americans soldiers dead in Iraq from March 2003 has risen to 4,236 according to an Associated Press count.

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