Afghan officials say a National Army helicopter has crashed in the northern province of Baghlan, killing at least seven people onboard.
Officials said the crash took place in the Dand-e Ghowri district on October 9 while the aircraft was supplying a military base in the Qorghan Tepa area.
The Defense Ministry blamed a technical problem with the Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter, but the Taliban group claimed it was shot down by its fighters.
Afghan officials say the base in Qarghan Tapa base has been surrounded by militants for about a week, leaving some 100 soldiers trapped inside.
In recent months, Taliban militants have increased their attacks on Afghan security forces in Baghlan and the neighboring province of Kunduz.
In the city of Kunduz, Afghan forces continue to battle Taliban militants seven days after they stormed into the city.
Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and Khaama