Chisinau  - A Moldova forces helicopter working for NATO in Afghanistan was shot down Tuesday, the Infotag news agency reported.

Some, but not all, of a six-man crew of Ukrainian nationals died in the morning incident, according to statement from the Chisinau air charter company Pecotox-Airi.

A missile or rocket caused the crash, according to the report.

The Mi-26 heavy helicopter and crew had been performing humanitarian aid missions, officials at Moldova's state civil aviation administration said.

Moldovan officials were not giving the helicopter's location.

The former Soviet republic Moldova has deployed some 50 men to participate in the international military forces operating in Afghanistan.(dpa)