Australian Pilot Dead, American Woman Wounded

A single gunman opened fire on a helicopter in Afghanistan Sunday, killing the Australian pilot and wounding an American woman, according to US military officials.

The helicopter was on the ground at a school construction site in Thalogan, about 40 miles south of Kandahar, when the it was ambushed. There were conflicting reports on whether the aircraft was on the ground at the time of the ambush. Most witnesses said it was.

The wounded were evacuated by a US quick reaction force, according to authorities. Witnesses said the helicopter was peppered with bullet holes. Its type was not immediately known.

The helicopter belonged to the Louis Berger Group, an engineering company based in East Orange (NJ). The company wouldn't comment on Sunday's attack. Louis Berger Group oversees infrastructure projects in southern Afghanistan.

About six hours after the attack, a man claiming to be from the Taliban called the AP office in Kabul, claiming responsibility for the ambush.

FMI: www.centcom.mil