British helicopter in fatal Afghan crash: defence ministry

The NATO helicopter that crashed in Afghanistan today killing five troopers was a British aircraft, the Ministry of Defence in London said.

The identities of those on board have not been confirmed, though sources said they are all thought be to British service personnel.

"The MoD can confirm that a UK helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan today," it said in a statement.

"The incident is under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further until families have been notified."

Before the crash, 448 British troops had been killed since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.

Britain has around 5,200 troops in Afghanistan, making it the second-largest contributor to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force after the United States.
 

All of its combat forces will be withdrawn by the end of December.