Nine Fatally Injured, No Reports Of Hostile Fire

A NATO helicopter has gone down in Zabul province in Afghanistan, and nine international troops have reportedly been killed in the incident. There were reportedly a "large number" of Americans on board the helo when it went down, according to a military source who requested anonymity.

NATO Map Of Afghanistan

USA Today reports that military officials say there was no hostile fire in the area where the accident occurred, although it happened in an area where forces are increasing pressure on Taliban insurgents. One Taliban spokesman told the Associated Press that rebel forces had shot down the helicopter, though that has not been confirmed.

Mohammad Jan Rasoolyar, a spokesman for the provincial governor in Zabul, said the Taliban often exaggerate their claims. He said such accidents are usually due to mechanical problems, and outside factors like dust.

Two people survived the accident. They were identified only as a U.S. civilian, and an Afghan National Army soldier.

The AP reports that it is the deadliest helicopter accident for coalition forces in four years.

FMI: www.isaf.nato.int