Taliban rockets struck a NATO helicopter carrying the governor of Afghanistan's Helmand province but the damaged chopper was able to fly out of the attack.

The British military operating in the troubled southern province has confirmed the incident and says no one was hurt.

The helicopter came under fire as it was about to land at Musa Qala, a small town that had been a key Taliban base and opium-trading centre until troops forced the rebels out in December.

It is the third time this month a helicopter working for the international military has come under fire from rebels.

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