NATO Helicopter Crashes In Eastern Afghan Province

KABUL -- A NATO helicopter has crashed in eastern Afghanistan, killing the two crew members onboard.

U.S. Colonel Thomas Collins, a spokesman for NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan that the aircraft went down on April 9.

In a telephone interview, Collins said "We do not have any indication that there were enemy [fighters] or enemy activity in the area where the aircraft crashed."

An ISAF statement said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Taliban militants released an Internet statement claiming responsibility for bringing down the chopper.

Afghan officials said the crash occurred in the Pashir Wagam district of Nangarhar Province.

District chief Mir Baz Khan said the helicopter went down in a field.

With reporting by AP and dpa