The colonel told CNN that the forces were waiting until early evening to begin moving out to avoid hostile fire from Bosnian government troops.

CNN: Waiting for morning

The Black Hawk is the US's most important combat helicopter, designed to move quickly into hostile environments and deliver or collect troops and armaments.

BBC: News | In Depth | Military Fact Files

Since the war in Iraq started last March, 469 U.S. troops have died -- 321 under hostile circumstances.

CNN: Military investigates hostile fire in 'green zone'

Since the start of the war, 255 U.S. troops have been killed -- 170 hostile deaths and 85 non-hostile.

CNN: U.S. general: Saddam on the run