Taliban Claims Another Shootdown

In one of the deadliest days in the history of recent Afghan military operations, a NATO CH-47 Chinook has been reportedly shot down by hostile forces of the Taliban. The CH-47 went down before dawn, Saturday, in Afghanistan's Wardak province. Sources speaking on behalf of the Taliban claim that 'it fired a rocket at the helicopter during a battle' during which eight militants were killed in a raid on their hideout.

Thirty International Security Assistance Force service members, one civilian interpreter, and seven Afghan commandos were killed on board the Chinook. All of the ISAF service members on board were from the US. 'The incident represents the highest number of US forces killed during a single event in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,' according to Defense Department officials.

Among the dead were 22 Navy SEALs, some of whom were reported to be members of a unit described in media circles as 'SEAL Team 6' -- a counter-terrorism unit credited with carrying out the missions the resulted in the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden.

“No words describe the sorrow we feel in the wake of this tragic loss,” said General John R. Allen, Commander, International Security Assistance Force. “All of those killed in this operation were true heroes who had already given so much in the defense of freedom. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are now waiting for their loved ones to return home.  We will do everything in our power to support them in this time of need.”

“We also mourn the loss of our heroic Afghan partners who fight with us shoulder to shoulder, every day,” added Allen.

In a statement from the Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta noted that, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of many outstanding Americans in uniform and of their Afghan counterparts earlier today in Afghanistan.  Their courage was exemplary, as was their determination to make this a safer world for their countries and for their fellow citizens.  We will stay the course to complete that mission, for which they and all who have served and lost their lives in Afghanistan have made the ultimate sacrifice.  They and their families are in my thoughts, in my prayers and in my heart."

There have been some 17 coalition and Afghan aircraft crashes in Afghanistan over the year, though most have been attributed to pilot error, bad WX, or mechanical failures with (thankfully) minimal casualties. In June of 2005, 16 Navy Seals and Army SpecOps were lost in another helo accident when it was downed in Kunar province by an RPG. Last year, a Pave Hawk was shot down, with the loss of all five US crew.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Additional details will be provided as they become available.

FMI: www.defense.gov