NATO Helicopter Crashed in Afghanistan Killed 38 Including 31 American Special Forces Troops

KABUL, Afghanistan - A total of 31 members of the US special forces have died in a helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan along with seven Afghans, a statement from Afghan President Hamid Karzai's office said. This is one of the worst incidents of its kind in the 10-year-old war in Afghanistan.

"The president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai expressed condolences over a NATO helicopter crash and the deaths of 31 members of US special forces," the statement said.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility, saying their fighters downed the helicopter in a battle with NATO troops.