Ben Farmer, in Kabul reports, in The Telegraph, that a Taliban helicopter attack kills 31 US special forces troops, "in one of the worst single incidents in Afghanistan."
Update: I've come aware from a comment from Unaspencer that 7 Afghan Special Forces soldiers were also killed. Sorry to leave them out. They were not mentioned in the first breaking news on this story which is wrong. Our hearts go out to all the victims no matter where they come from.
Nato troops in Afghanistan Photo: Getty
The aircraft was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and crashed in the Tangi valley of Wardak province, west of the Afghan capital, Kabul. ... Coalition head quarters in Kabul confirmed a helicopter had crashed in eastern Afghanistan, but a spokesman would not comment on casualty figures.
Sources said the release of more information was being delayed by the difficulties in informing the next of kin.
“[The coalition] is still in the process of assessing the circumstances to determine the facts of the incident, reporting indicates there was enemy activity in the area.
Local reports said the helicopter had been taking part in a night raid targeting insurgent commanders. At least eight insurgents were killed.
A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujaheed, told the New York Times insurgents shot down the helicopter around 11pm on Friday local time and that eight militants were killed in the fight that continued after the helicopter fell.
“The fresh reports from the site tells us that there are still Americans doing search operations for the bodies and pieces of the helicopter are on the ground,” Mr. Mujaheed said.
Our sympathies and condolences go out to all of the families, and all who have loved ones deployed in these dangerous areas overseas.
We appreciate the courage, and dedication of our American troops, who loyally fulfill any challenge we give them.
Out of respect for their bravery, courage, and such loyalty, we need to review our objectives, economics, and realities on the ground to determine if we should acclerate our withdrawal from Afghanistan, and stay on target with our withdrawal from Iraq.
We are now asking Iraq, to ask us to keep troops deployed there after the existing 2012 withddrawal deadline.
If memory serves me correctly, 27 Senators have written to President Obama asking him for a quicker and more substantial withdrawal schedule for Afghanistan.
8:17 AM PT: Update: I've come aware from a comment from Unaspencer that 7 Afghan Special Forces soldiers were also killed. Sorry to leave them out. They were not mentioned in the first breaking news on this story which is wrong. Our hearts go out to all the victims no matter where they come from.