DHAKA: A military helicopter has crashed in Afghanistan’s northern Baghlan province, killing all eight people on board.

Dawlat Waziri, spokesman for the Afghan defense ministry, said on Sunday (October 9) that five crew members and three army soldiers were killed, reports Al Jazeera.

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

Yet, in a statement to the media, the Taliban claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter, saying it was shot down by the group's fighters.

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

BDST: 1355 HRS, OCT 09, 2016
NJ/BD