Foreigner among the dead in Taliban ambush on helicopter

The Afghan defense ministry says a foreign national was among three people killed when Taliban insurgents ambushed a helicopter that made an emergency landing in northwestern Afghanistan.
The ministry said the privately contracted Mi-17, which was carrying military personnel, was forced to land in Faryab province on Tuesday after suffering a technical problem.
Today's statement also said that two foreigners were among 18 people captured in the raid.
The statement said all of the foreigners were civilian crew members, but did not give their nationalities.
Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi says a total of five people were killed and 15 others, mostly military, were arrested.

Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri says a rescue operation is underway.