Several US and Afghan troops were wounded Tuesday during a special operations mission in Marjah in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, a US defense official said.

Several US and Afghan troops were wounded Tuesday during a special operations mission in Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province, a US defense official said.

"I know at the least there are some wounded on both sides, US  and Afghan," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding he did not have any further details on the condition of the troops.

A military helicopter that landed at the scene to carry out medical evacuations was grounded after a mortar exploded nearby. Crews were inspecting it for damage.