Large U.S. Helicopter Crashes In Afghanistan
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28 June 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The U.S. military says a Chinook helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan today.
The status of those aboard is not immediately known. The helicopter has the capacity of carrying 33 troops and three crew members. The military did not say how many troops were on board at the time of the crash.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The Taliban claimed to have fired at the helicopter but there was no confirmation of this.
The military says the helicopter was transporting troops into an area in support of U.S. forces involved in an antiguerrilla operation.
The crash occurred west of the city of Asadabad, which is not far from the border with Pakistan.
In another development, bombs killed a top policeman and four other people in Afghanistan today.
The victims included the police chief of Sarkano District in the eastern province of Kunar and two of his sons.
(compiled from agency reports)