US casualties in fighting in southern Afghanistan

An unknown number of US special operations forces have been wounded while operating in Afghanistan, according to Pentagon officials.

A U.S. Special Forces soldier and an Afghan National Army commando scan the area for enemy movement after taking direct fire from insurgents during an operation in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on March 20, 2014.

Two other US service members were also wounded, the Military said.

It was unclear if the helicopter was brought down deliberately, but NBC reported that the medevac chopper called in to recover casualties came under mortar and small-arms fire.

Additionally, two US service members were wounded.

The helicopter is now on the ground due to damage sustained in the attack.

The fighting, which reflects intensified efforts by the USA and its Afghan partners to push back against recent Taliban gains, was near the city of Marja, Helmand province.

A spokesman for the Taliban – which frequently exaggerates its claims – said Tuesday the group had shot down a US transport helicopter in Helmand.