Military chopper crashes in Afghanistan, 8 killed

An Afghan official said on Sunday eight soldiers have been killed after a military helicopter crashed in northern Baghlan province

An Afghan official said on Sunday eight soldiers have been killed after a military helicopter crashed in northern Baghlan province.

An Afghan National Army (ANA) helicopter drops commandos on the roof of a building during an operation near the Indian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif. (REUTERS File Photo)

Afghan defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said five crew members and three soldiers were killed.

The crash took place in Dand Ghori district while the helicopter was supplying a military base. Waziri blamed a technical problem with the aircraft.

However, spokesperson for the Taliban Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter, saying in a statement to the media that it was shot down by their fighters.

Taliban insurgents have increased their attacks on Afghan security forces in northern Baghlan and neighbouring Kunduz provinces.