Wire: Civilian Helicopter Down in Afghanistan, 16 Killed

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2009 -- Newswire services this morning reported that the NATO alliance in Afghanistan said a civilian helicopter crash in the country's south had killed 16 people.

Officials said a Russian-built Mi-8 helicopter crashed Sunday while taking off from Kandahar's main air base. Reports from the area said 17 people were on board the helicopter.

Kandahar Air Field is the largest NATO base in southern Afghanistan.

In related news, a U.S. military helicopter made an emergency landing in Kunar province.

U.S. military spokeswoman Lt. Commander Christine Sidenstricker said no enemy fire was reported near either helicopter accident.

(Report from newswire sources.)

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