An American Apache attack helicopter was shot down on Thursday by 'hostile fire' around 150 kilometres northwest of Baghdad, CNN reported.

The incident took place during what the US Central Command described as a 'coordinated airstrike' against a terrorist training camp protected by forces loyal to deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

During the attack a firefight took place involving ground forces, including members of the 101st Airborne Division, during which the chopper was brought down.

An F-16 fighter plane also crashed after suffering a mechanical failure, CNN quoted the Central Command as saying.

The helicopter's two-man crew and the F-16's pilot were rescued safely. A coalition soldier received minor injuries in the operation.

Meanwhile, American troops have rounded up 397 people since Monday along a stretch of Tigris River in Operation Peninsula Strike.

More than 1,000 troops were involved in the operation, which ended on Thursday morning.

CNN said intelligence reports had indicated the area had become a refuge for Saddam loyalists.