US military says helicopter crash lands, no casualties
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The U.S. military says one of its helicopters crashed in southern Afghanistan, adding that the cause was unknown and there were no casualties.
In a statement, U.S. Army Col. Michael Lawhorn said Friday the helicopter made a "hard landing" in Helmand, but gave no details on timing or location.
He says all personnel have been recovered and an investigation is underway.
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The Taliban claimed they shot down the chopper.
Helmand, a Taliban stronghold, has been the focus of intense military activity in recent months as the insurgents fight for control of lucrative drug smuggling routes.
The U.S.-NATO mission has 12,900 troops in Afghanistan mandated to train and assist their Afghan counterparts.
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The U.S. also has 3,000 troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations against the Taliban, al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.