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Helicopter crashes in Afghanistan Helicopter crashes in Afghanistan
(30 minutes later)
The US-led coalition has said one of its helicopters has crashed in south-eastern Afghanistan after reporting engine failure.The US-led coalition has said one of its helicopters has crashed in south-eastern Afghanistan after reporting engine failure.
The helicopter is reported to be an American Chinook, but the coalition did not give any more details.The helicopter is reported to be an American Chinook, but the coalition did not give any more details.
An operation has been mounted to locate and rescue the helicopter's occupants.An operation has been mounted to locate and rescue the helicopter's occupants.
Coalition and Nato forces have lost several helicopters in Afghanistan in the last few years but only one is thought to have been shot down.Coalition and Nato forces have lost several helicopters in Afghanistan in the last few years but only one is thought to have been shot down.
"It was not enemy fire related," Col Tom Collins, of Nato's International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying."It was not enemy fire related," Col Tom Collins, of Nato's International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying.
"The pilot was able to radio in that he was having engine problems. We're confident it was not due to enemy action.""The pilot was able to radio in that he was having engine problems. We're confident it was not due to enemy action."
The helicopter crashed in the Shah Joy district of Zabul province, residents told Reuters news agency.The helicopter crashed in the Shah Joy district of Zabul province, residents told Reuters news agency.
The province borders Pakistan and has been the scene of Taleban activity recently.The province borders Pakistan and has been the scene of Taleban activity recently.
Poor weather Weather
A Taleban spokesman said the helicopter had been shot down, but the BBC's Alastair Leithead in Kabul says they frequently make similar claims that are unfounded.A Taleban spokesman said the helicopter had been shot down, but the BBC's Alastair Leithead in Kabul says they frequently make similar claims that are unfounded.
There is no indication as to whether the helicopter was on a military mission.There is no indication as to whether the helicopter was on a military mission.
Our correspondent says the helicopter was based in Bagram airbase, near Kabul, where the weather has been poor.Our correspondent says the helicopter was based in Bagram airbase, near Kabul, where the weather has been poor.
But he said the weather further south in Zabul has been clearer.But he said the weather further south in Zabul has been clearer.
Nato and coalition forces in Afghanistan are bracing for an expected spring offensive from regrouping Taleban fighters.Nato and coalition forces in Afghanistan are bracing for an expected spring offensive from regrouping Taleban fighters.