Saturday, August 06, 2011

31 Special Forces Troops Dead in Afghanistan

A US helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan has killed 31 US special forces and seven Afghan soldiers.

The crash happened last night when the helicopter was taking the soldiers back to their base after an operation.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility, saying their fighters downed the helicopter in a battle with Nato troops, according to the office of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The Islamist group also said eight of its fighters had been killed in the fighting.

The incident is believed to be the biggest single loss of life for US forces in Afghanistan since they began operations in 2001.

UK Guardian

From Jon Boone, the twittering correspondent at the UK Guardian:

Hospital director denies reports heli was on the roof, saying mud houses too weak to support helis that are like "giants' shoes". about 26 minutes ago

Director of Saidabad hospital says chopper leaving when shot by a different group of Talibs from the one targeted by operation. about 30 minutes ago

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