KABUL, Afghanistan – A NATO helicopter crashed in a field in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing two American service members.
The U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force said the cause of the crash is under investigation but initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time.
It did not immediately identify the nationalities of those killed. But a senior U.S. official confirmed they were Americans. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to release the information ahead of a formal announcement.
Get breaking National news
The deaths raised to nine the number of Americans, including three civilians, killed in Afghanistan so far this month.
A local official, Mir Baz Khan, said the helicopter crashed in an agricultural field in the Pachir Wagam district in Nangarhar province.
Shir Azam, a teacher who lives in a village near the site, said he heard a loud explosion, then saw the helicopter in flames as it plunged to the ground.
Then, he said, more helicopters came and American troops sealed off the site. He also said he heard nothing to indicate any shooting before the crash.
- Airline apologizes for showing R-rated film on every screen during flight
- 74-year-old man fights off bear, 3 cubs that broke into Colorado home
- Colorado court dismisses case against baker who wouldn’t make cake for trans woman
- Dominican Republic has expelled 11,000 Haitians in past week, with more coming
Comments