Afghanistan helicopter crash leaves 7 U.S. troops, 4 others dead

CBS/AP/iStockphoto

Updated at 8:53 a.m. ET

(CBS News) - NATO says 11 people, including seven American troops, have been killed in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan.

The other casualties, according to a statement from the international military coalition, were "three members of the Afghan National Security Forces, and one Afghan civilian interpreter."

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It was not immediately clear what caused the helicopter to crash. ISAF said an investigation was underway. The Taliban issued a statement claiming that militants had shot the aircraft down, but the group often issues claims which later turn out to be false or exaggerated.

Afghan officials told the Reuters news agency the crash took place in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province. Kandahar has been a stronghold for Taliban militants an has seen a large proportion of the violence directed at Western and Afghan forces since the U.S. invasion to topple the group's government in 2001.

Taliban militants and their allies in the region have stepped up their attacks during August - an annual uptick which coincides with fair weather and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

[Ethansmom89]

We are all very sad here at Schofield Barracks Hawaii. My thoughts and prays go out to all the friends and family members, especially to the pilot of that air craft Brian Hornsby who was a dear friend to our family. Our base will recover from this loss, but they will never be forgotten.

[bobxxxxx]

It took America four years to defeat Japan and Nazi Germany. We've been in Afghanistan 11 years and have made no progress. When we finally get out of there the violence will continue until the end of time. So what the heck is the point? We're still there only because the cowardly Obama is pretending to be tough guy, while our young soldiers get killed or lose limbs.

[Lavender_Mom]

These article are absolute hell on the families who have a loved one over there. God bless them and their families.

I wish we were out of there....what a waste of our precious blood and treasure.

[Bubbajack8]

Where were they stationed? I know someone stationed in Afgan who is a black hawk pilot...

[formerlyluvnut]

Again. ALL for nothing.

[rightofwrong]

It's time to remove our troops from the Middle East and let the whole place go up in smoke.

[preacherbob1]

I agree-I wish you were running for President-you would have my vote!

[norulers]

Seven mother's children lost to the allure of bloody nationalism and pagan sacrifice. Seven mother's children consumed by the voracious beast of war.

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

War on Drugs...War on Women....

When will we get around to the War on WAR?

: (

[Think3Times]

A different news site posted this:

Those killed include three US soldiers and four other foreign troops, as well as four Afghans, the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) said.

I'll believe their account before I believe yours CBS.

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

Can ANY site have the decency to hold off until they can put the names??? Do ANY of them think about what all our military families go thru? : (

[credibility2]

...such a tragedy...God bless these brave souls and their families...