http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/08/06/afghanistan-helicopter-crash.html
NATO copter crash kills 38 in Afghanistan
Taliban claims responsibility for downing Chinook
CBC News
Posted: Aug 6, 2011 5:42 AM ET
Last Updated: Aug 6, 2011 9:52 AM ET
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A Chinook transport helicopter, similar to this one, was reported to have been shot down by the Taliban in Wardak province. A Chinook transport helicopter, similar to this one, was reported to have been shot down by the Taliban in Wardak province. (Anja Niedringhaus/Associated Press)
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A NATO helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan has killed 31 U.S. troops and seven Afghan soldiers, Afghan President Hamid Karzai says.
Some of the deadliest military air crashes in Afghanistan since 2001:
Sept. 21, 2010: U.S. Army Blackhawk crashes in southern Zabul province, killing nine troops on board, including four Navy SEALs.
May 30, 2007: U.S. Chinook crashes while under fire in southern Helmand, killing one British, one Canadian and five American troops.
Sept. 2, 2006: British Nimrod aircraft crashes near Kandahar in the south, killing 14 crew members.
Aug. 16, 2005: Spanish helicopter crashes near the western city of Herat, killing 17 Spanish soldiers.
June 28, 2005: U.S. helicopter is shot down in eastern Kunar province during a rescue operation, killing 16 special operations troops.
April 6, 2005: U.S. Chinook helicopter crashes in a sandstorm near eastern Ghazni, killing 15 American troops and three civilian contractors.
NATO confirmed one of its helicopters crashed overnight in the Savd Abad district of Wardak province but has not released details of casualties.
In a statement, the alliance also confirmed there was "enemy activity in the area," but did not elaborate.
A senior official with the U.S. administration, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that a helicopter carrying 31 U.S. special operations forces and seven Afghan soldiers was apparently shot down by insurgents.
It was the highest number of American casualties recorded in a single incident in the decade-long war in Afghanistan.
Karzai expressed his condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama in a statement released by his office.
A NATO official in Brussells told NBC News the helicopter involved was a twin-rotor Chinook used for transport.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said insurgents downed a U.S. military helicopter in Wardak after the aircraft fired on a house where Taliban fighers were gathering Friday night.
Eight insurgents died in the incident, Mujahid said.