The US military has confirmed one of its planes crashed in Taliban-held territory in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, south of the capital.

According to the Afghan official, two pilots were found dead amid the wreckage.

Officials told the media there were no indications it had been brought down by enemy activity.

The official further said the cause of the crash was still being investigated and he would not discuss the fate of the crew.

The aircraft crashed in Deh Yak district, Ghazni province, an area with a strong Taliban presence.

Afghan authorities initially said it belonged to state-owned airline Ariana, but the company issued a denial, saying all its planes were accounted for.

The Pentagon has not released further details and it is unclear how many people were on board.

Ukrainian plane crashed in Iran

Earlier an Ukrainian plane Boeing 737-800 crashed in Iran. Over 176 people were onboard.

State news agencies reported that all people on board have died.

According to the local news agency, the aircraft crashed after take-off at 5:15 is the local time from Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran. The plane belonged to Ukraine International Airlines.

The plane was heading towards the Boryspil International Airport in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

Initial information state that rescue teams have approached the location.

Head of emergency services in Iran Pihossein Koulivard reported to the local news agency, “The plane is on fire but we have sent crews..and we may be able to save some passengers.”