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Taliban Shoots Down NATO Chinook

At least 7 dead in Afghan region still controlled by guerrillas

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2007 4:14 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Taliban fighters shot down a NATO Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan yesterday, killing all 7 on board, including five Americans. Guerrillas then ambushed rescuers attempting to reach the crash. The attack occurred in Helmand Province, a region of Afghanistan known for opium poppy cultivation and a strong Taliban presence, according to the Washington Post.

This is the 13th helicopter shot down in Afghanistan since the US invasion in 2002; 75 US soldiers have died in the crashes. NATO says it will crack down on Taliban fighters in the region. Meanwhile, the Taliban is trumping NATO's report, claiming 35 were killed in the Helmand crash.

A U.S. military official says five U.S. soldiers were killed when a Chinook helicopter was apparently shot down in southern Afghanistan. (AP GRAPHIC)
A U.S. military official says five U.S. soldiers were killed when a Chinook helicopter was apparently shot down in southern Afghanistan. (AP GRAPHIC)   (Associated Press)
U.S. soldiers take cover as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter takes off, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, in this 2006 file photo. Five U.S. soldiers were killed when their Chinook helicopter was apparently shot down in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, a U.S. military official said. The Taliban claimed...
U.S. soldiers take cover as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter takes off, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, in this 2006 file photo. Five U.S. soldiers were killed when their Chinook helicopter was apparently...   (Associated Press)
Chinook helicopters fly over the Paktia's mountains province near Khost, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, in this March 27, 2004, file photo. Five Americans and two other soldiers died when a Chinook helicopter was apparently shot down in Afghanistan's most volatile province, a...
Chinook helicopters fly over the Paktia's mountains province near Khost, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, in this March 27, 2004, file photo. Five Americans...   (Associated Press)
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Afghanistan's Opium War

Opium war in region where helicopter was shot down
Scotsman (UK)

Taliban Claims 35 Killed in Chopper
Reuters

 
Afghanistan • War on Terror • NATO • Taliban • crash • helicopter • Helmand province

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