Taliban takes prisoners after helicopter crash in northern Afghanistan

At least 15 troops including two foreigners were captured by insurgents after a transport helicopter made an emergency landing in a Taliban-controlled area in northern Afghanistan, an official said Wednesday.

"Hostages include Afghan national army soldiers and at least two foreign nationals," Faryab provincial government spokesman Ahmad Javid Bedar said.

The identity of the foreigners was unclear, he said.

"The soldiers fought for at least an hour following the landing, after which, they were taken hostage," Bedar said.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the incident, saying around five Afghan troops were killed in the shootout.

"The helicopter was set on fire," Mujahid said.