Helicopter crash kills 16 in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 27 (UPI) -- All 16 people aboard a helicopter that crashed in southeastern Afghanistan were killed, a coalition forces spokesman said Thursday.

Among those on the helicopter that went down Wednesday were two Dutch soldiers and Afghan and foreign civilians, said a U.S. military statement.

Reasons for the aircraft crash remain unknown, however a Taliban spokesman said the Islamic militant group shot the chopper down.

Violence and militant attacks in south and southeast Afghanistan have increased in recent months.