US Chinook helicopter downed in Afghanistan
A US Chinook helicopter that crashed in eastern Afghanistan was likely shot down by hostile fire, and the fate of 17 American servicemembers is unclear, the US military said today. The Taliban claimed to have attacked the aircraft.
The troops were on a mission against al-Qaida fighters in eastern Afghanistan when the helicopter went down yesterday in mountainous terrain near Asadabad, in Kunar province.
“The helicopter was transporting forces into the area as part of Operation Red Wing, which is part of the enduring fight to defeat al-Qaida militants and deny them influence in Kunar province,” a military statement said. “Initial reports indicate the crash may have been caused by hostile fire. The status of the service members is unknown at this time.”
US spokeswomen Lt. Cindy Moore said no other details about those on board, including whether they were feared dead, was available.
The military statement said coalition and Afghan troops had “quickly moved into position around the crash to block any enemy movement toward or away from the site” and that coalition support aircraft were overhead.
“This is a tragic event for all of us, and our hearts and prayers go out to the families, loved ones and men still fighting in the area,” said US Army Brig. Gen. Greg Champion, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-76. “This incident will only further our resolve to defeat the enemies of peace.”
Purported Taliban spokesman Mullah Latif Hakimi telephoned The Associated Press before news of the crash was released and claimed insurgents shot it down. He said the rebels filmed the attack and would release the video to the media.
Hakimi often calls news organisations to claim responsibility for attacks on behalf of the Taliban.
His information has frequently proven untrue or exaggerated, and his exact tie to the group’s leadership is unclear.
Provincial Gov. Asadullah Wafa said the Taliban downed the aircraft with a rocket.
