Afghanistan: Five NATO members killed in helicopter crash

Five members of NATO's international support mission in Afghanistan were killed and five injured when a British military helicopter crashed in the capital, Kabul, officials said on Monday.

NATO's Resolute Support mission, which gave the casualty figures but did not identify the nationalities of the dead and injured, said the crash happened on Sunday afternoon at its headquarters in Kabul. It gave no other details.

Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on its website that two Royal Air Force personnel had been killed when a UK Puma Mk 2 helicopter crashed while landing at the base.

"The incident is currently under investigation but we can confirm that it was an accident and not the result of insurgent activity," said the MoD news release, which made no mention of any other NATO casualties.

NATO's combat mission in Afghanistan has ended but around 12,000 mostly U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan as part of Resolute Support, focused on training Afghan security forces.

News
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic

The US State Department has said it is closely monitoring the prosecution of a Christian woman who prayed silently in an abortion clinic buffer zone. 

Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians.