US admits Taliban shot down helicopter
If confirmed, Tuesday's attack would apparently be the first time a US-led coalition aircraft here has been downed by hostile fire, representing a major new threat to the coalition. The US-backed mujahedeen war against Soviet occupiers in Afghanistan in the 1980s finally turned when Afghan fighters acquired the ability to shoot down Soviet aircraft. The troops were on a mission against al-Qaida fighters when the helicopter went down in mountainous terrain near Asadabad, in Kunar province.
"The helicopter was transporting forces into the area as part of Operation Red Wing, which is part of the enduring fight to defeat al-Qaida militants," a military statement said. "Initial reports indicate the crash may have been caused by hostile fire. The status of the service members is unknown at this time."
