This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-27170955
The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
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 have not confirmed the nationalities of those on board, but it is believed they are British. | |
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." |
BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said it is understood the helicopter involved was a Lynx. | |
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. |