16 killed in helicopter crash in Afghanistan

All 16 people on board a helicopter that crashed in the eastern Afghan mountains yesterday were killed, officials said today.

The dead included more than one American civilian and two Dutch military personnel, officials added.

Afghan army and US-led coalition troops have recovered 12 bodies and are searching for four more in the difficult, mountainous terrain where the civilian Mi-8 helicopter crashed, Colonel Tom Collins, a coalition spokesman told reporters.

The Russian-made civilian helicopter crashed between 22 and 25 miles north-east of Khost city.

Collins said there was no indication yet what caused the crash.

He said thse on board included more than one American and people of other, unspecified nationalities.

The Dutch military has said two of its personel were on board.