Update on that downed helicopter

I don't recall seeing anything at the time of the reports about the mission the helicopter was on when it was shot down. Apparently, there was another story that we weren't being told.

Concern is mounting over a team of US special forces on a reconnaissance mission who have been missing in eastern Afghanistan since Tuesday.

A helicopter which was sent to pick them up was shot down on Tuesday, killing 16 servicemen on board.

[...]

A number of Afghan guides working with the US military are also missing.

[...]

People claiming to speak for Taleban militants say they have captured one Americans on the ground, but have provided no proof.

It is unclear whether any captured American would have been from the helicopter or the missing team on the ground. However, the US initially said 17 men were on board the downed helicopter before reporting that 16 bodies had been found.

US officials have refused to comment on the Taleban statement that an American is being held.

[...]

Military officials told the BBC's Andrew North, who is at the main US base in eastern Afghanistan. that they had "several indications" that the troops on the ground were still alive.

However, they would not say what those indications were.

[...]

In Kabul, US military spokesman Col Jim Yonts said: "We do not have eyes on them right now, but there is no reason to believe that they are dead."
  BBC article

I hate to say it, but at this point, there's reason to believe they might be better off.

Col Yonts would not confirm or deny an earlier claim by the Taleban that its fighters had killed seven US "spies" before the MH-47 helicopter was shot down.

[...]

Nato plans to take over security across southern Afghanistan next year, gradually relieving the American force.

Update 7/2/05: More of the story.