taking the personnel back to their base after an operation.

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Afghan helicopter crash kills 31 US troops
Map of Afghanistan showing Wardak province
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A US helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan has killed 31 US special forces and seven Afghan soldiers, President Hamid Karzai's office says.

The helicopter was taking the personnel back to their base after an operation.

It is not clear how the crash happened but the Taliban said they shot the helicopter down.

The incident is believed to be the biggest single loss of life for US forces in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001.

The helicopter went down overnight in Wardak province, the statement from President Karzai's office said.

It was returning from an operation against the Taliban in which eight insurgents are believed to have been killed.
'Enemy activity'

"The president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses his sympathy and deep condolences to US President Barack Obama and the family of the victims," the statement said.