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UK helicopter in fatal Afghanistan crash UK helicopter in fatal Afghanistan crash
(35 minutes later)
Five Nato troops have been killed after a UK helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.Five Nato troops have been killed after a UK helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.
Officials said they were investigating the circumstances of the crash but have not confirmed the nationalities of those on board. Officials have not confirmed the nationalities of those on board, but it is believed they are British.
The helicopter came down in Kandahar province. Enemy action was not suspected as a cause, officials said. The MoD said it was investigating the circumstances of the crash, in Kandahar province, but enemy action is not thought to be the cause.
Nato forces are preparing to withdraw combat troops by the end of the year.Nato forces are preparing to withdraw combat troops by the end of the year.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We can confirm that a UK helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan today.A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We can confirm that a UK helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan today.
"The incident is under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further until families have been notified.""The incident is under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further until families have been notified."
Fatal incidents involving foreign troops have declined as they prepare for the withdrawal. BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said it is understood the helicopter involved was a Lynx.
However, such crashes have been relatively frequent over the years because coalition forces depend heavily on air transport. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition of international forces earlier said it was still in the process of reviewing the circumstances of the crash.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic event," it said in a statement.
The crash brings the total number of international troops killed in Afghanistan in April to seven.
The last major helicopter crash took place in December last year, when seven Americans and four Afghans died.The last major helicopter crash took place in December last year, when seven Americans and four Afghans died.
In August 2011, the Taliban shot down an American Chinook near Kabul, killing 30 Americans and eight Afghans in the deadliest single incident for US troops since the war began.In August 2011, the Taliban shot down an American Chinook near Kabul, killing 30 Americans and eight Afghans in the deadliest single incident for US troops since the war began.
Concerned family members can contact the MOD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre on 08457 800 900.