WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (UPI) — A U.S. special operations soldier was killed Tuesday and another injured when their unit came under attack by the Taliban in Afghanistan, U.S. defense officials said.
The source told Fox News a second service member was injured when a medical helicopter sustained damage when it evacuated the injured troops, which included Afghan soldiers.
It is unclear if the helicopter was hit by enemy fire. The total number of casualties also was unknown.
A spokesman for the NATO coalition in Afghanistan said the helicopter was “experiencing mechanical problems.”
The Taliban has been pushing into Hemland more than any other province in Afghanistan, partially due to the regions ample supply of opium and the opportunity to grab a share of the drug business that could fund further insurgent activities.