The Hindu : International : "13 bodies recovered from Afghan crash site"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 01, 2005

International

International

"13 bodies recovered from Afghan crash site"

KABUL: Rescuers have reached the wreckage of a U.S. special forces helicopter that crashed into a rugged mountain ravine in eastern Afghanistan, but there was still no word on whether the 17 troops on board died as feared, a U.S. military spokesman said on Thursday.

The BBC reported on its Web site that U.S. officials told one its reporters at the main American base near the crash site that 13 bodies had been recovered, while seven other soldiers, including some that were on the ground fighting, are missing, raising the possibility they may have been captured.

American military spokeswoman Lt. Cindy Moore declined comment on the report and said the military would release a new statement on the crash later on Thursday.

But 48 hours after the chopper went down, hopes were fading for those on board.

Militants are believed to have shot down the MH-47 helicopter as it was bringing in reinforcements for a battle with suspected Al-Qaeda fighters.

A purported Taliban spokesman, Mullah Latif Hakimi, claimed responsibility, and also said rebels had a video of the attack. — AP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

LTTE deadline on ceasefire pact

Arroyo remains under pressure

Fresh political storm brewing in Bangladesh

Freedom Tower design unveiled

Hu, Putin to sign world order declaration

"Ahmadinejad was a key player in 1979 embassy seizure"

Heated row over Turkey's membership

"13 bodies recovered from Afghan crash site"

U.S. restores concessions for some exports

Pilot error makes Aziz cross LoC