U.S. helicopter believed shot down in Afghanistan; 2 killed




By the CNN Wire Staff

June 6, 2012 -- Updated 1434 GMT (2234 HKT)

(CNN) -- The U.S. believes one of its armed helicopters was shot down over Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing both crew members on board, a U.S. military official said.



"It is likely that the helo today was brought down due to enemy small arms and RPG fire," the official said. The chopper was a U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior reconnaissance helicopter. It went down over Ghazni province.



In a statement, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the downing of the helicopter, saying a rocket was used.



"After the rocket hit it, the helicopter came down and took fire," said an e-mail sent by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.



CNN's Barbara Starr in Washington and Masoud Popalzai in Kabul contributed to this report.