The United States forces in Afghanistan in a statement says that two US service members have been killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, however preliminary reports do not indicate it was caused by enemy fire, the statement said on Wednesday.
It added further that in accordance with US Department of Defense policy, the names of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete.It did not reveal the crash location and said it was withholding the names of those killed until next of kin could be told.
The Afghan Taliban, however, claimed responsibility for shooting down the helicopter, which it said crashed in Logar province south of the capital Kabul.
"US Chinook helicopter shot down and completely destroyed last night while trying to raid Mujahideen (Taliban) position in Pangram area of Sarkh, Logar," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a tweet.
"The Americans wanted to raid a mujahideen base, but their helicopter was shot down and caught fire. All on board were killed," Mujahid said.
It was not possible to independently verify the group's claim.
