U.S. Helicopter 'Shot Down' In Eastern Afghanistan, 2 Killed

[News_Editor]

U.S. helicopter 'shot down' in eastern Afghanistan, 2 killed < br />

2012-06-07 02:37:52 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Two coalition service members were killed on Wednesday when their helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan, possibly after coming under fire from insurgents, military officials in Kabul and Washington said.

ISAF said two of its service members were killed when one of its helicopters went down in eastern Afghanistan, but gave no other details. A U.S. military official in Washington, D.C. said the incident involved an American helicopter and both casualties are believed to have been American service members.

"Operational reporting indicates that there were no civilian casualties or damage to civilian property during the incident," ISAF spokesman Major Adam Wojack said. "At this time it is too early to speculate on the cause of the incident. An investigation will take place and that information will be released as appropriate."

The U.S. military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said enemy fire could not be ruled out as a cause for the helicopter crash. He said the military aircraft may have been brought down by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed insurgents downed the aircraft, although the group often attempts to take credit even when it was not involved.

"An attack helicopter, which approached the area and opened fire and bombed the area, was shot by Mujahid (Taliban fighters) and caused it to be set on fire in mid-air and fell down near the fighting scene," Mujahid said. He claimed the incident was preceded by a ground fight between insurgents and ISAF forces.

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