FORT CARSON, COLO. -- Ash from last month's volcanic eruption in Iceland is disrupting some flights bringing U.S. troops from overseas.

Officials say ash is partly to blame for a four-day delay in the return of about 240 Fort Carson soldiers from Afghanistan. They were originally expected Monday but did not arrive until 2:15 Saturday morning.

Fort Carson spokeswoman Brandy Gill says mechanical problems also contributed to the delay.

Ash was also blamed for a delay in returning more than 130 North Dakota National Guard soldiers from peacekeeping duty in Kosovo this week.

The military's Transportation Command says the ash has caused a disruption for an average of three flights a day for the past two weeks. The command says it manages 800 to 900 such flights worldwide each day.

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APNP 05-14-10 1558MDT