Afghan president: 38 killed in NATO helicopter crash

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 6 August 2011
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghan president: 38 killed in NATO helicopter crash, 6 August 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e4a293428.html [accessed 17 September 2023]
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August 06, 2011

Afghan President Hamid KarzaiAfghan President Hamid Karzai

Afghan President Hamid Karzai today said that 31 U.S. special forces and seven Afghan soldiers were killed when a NATO helicopter went down in eastern Afghanistan overnight.

The crash, one of the single deadliest incidents for foreign troops since the war began, took place in Wardak Province.

In a statement, Karzai extended his condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama, saying he "expresses his sympathy" for the victims of the crash.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the incident.

Shahidullah Shahid, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said the chopper crashed in Seyad Abad district. He could not confirm if it was shot down by insurgents.

NATO spokesman Tim James confirmed the crash, saying there were enemy activities when the helicopter went down. But he refused to comment if it was shot down by the Taliban.

compiled from agency reports

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

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