All 17 U.S. Troops in Afghan Crash Believed Dead

Reuters ^ | 6/29/05 | David Brunnstrom

[Coop]

KABUL (Reuters) - All 17 U.S. troops aboard an American helicopter that crashed after being hit by ground fire in an anti-militant operation in Afghanistan are believed to have died, a U.S. official said on Wednesday.

[Coop]

Rest in peace, brave warriors, and may God comfort your families.

[teenyelliott]

Bless these wonderful heroes, as well as the families they left behind.

[kezekiel]

Seems like this war is hard on soldiers in helicopters in Afghanistan and in Humvees in Iraq. May God comfort their families.

[Echo Talon]

I wish we had a more reliable way of getting troops to the battlefield than these crappy helicopters that seem to crash ever other day.

[mystery-ak]

Mike...care to comment on *these crappy heliocopters*...LOL

[colorcountry]

Of the 1200+ troop casualties, how many have died in copter crashes. Does anyone know?

[astounded]

One has to wonder if this incident was connected to the story in the Mirror or Guardian about 2 squadrons of the British 22SAS deploying to eastern Afghanistan to capture or kill OBL and the report that all Internet connectivity was lost yesterday in Pakistan. According to the AP story here, the Chinook was carrying SEAL personnel (DevGroup?) near the Pakistan border, likely it was from the 160th SOAR, perhaps something big was/is in the works?

[Dog]

And your point is what?

[Coop]

It was hit by ground fire as it approached its landing zone and crashed about 1-2 km (half to one mile) away, U.S. military spokesman Colonel Jim Yonts told a news briefing in Kabul. He said fighting continued in the area on Wednesday involving a large force of U.S.-led troops and a "very determined enemy."

FYI.

[Dog]

According to the AP story here, the Chinook was carrying SEAL personnel (DevGroup?) near the Pakistan border, likely it was from the 160th SOAR, perhaps something big was/is in the works?

Any Comments?

[Dog]

Landed in a hot LZ...something big is going on I bet.

[1Old Pro]

I wish we had a more reliable way of getting troops to the battlefield than these crappy helicopters that seem to crash ever other day.

I think it was shot down. They should have heavily armed attack copters as escorts so as to immediately return any fire if they come upon it.

[colorcountry]

I wasn't making a point. I was asking a question.

[mware]

The same group that claimed they shot them down, also claims they killed the survivors.

If any of them were still alive after the crash, I fear they died a hard death.

Prayers to the families.

[Echo Talon]

I know our helicopters are the best, but they still suck. I wish we had somthing else. Flying saucers or a teleporting machine.. :D

[Dog]

Coop has it been made clear where along the border this took place? Man do I miss Boot Hill and his maps.

[Coop]

One has to wonder if this incident was connected to the story in the Mirror or Guardian about 2 squadrons of the British 22SAS deploying to eastern Afghanistan to capture or kill OBL and the report that all Internet connectivity was lost yesterday in Pakistan. According to the AP story here, the Chinook was carrying SEAL personnel (DevGroup?) near the Pakistan border, likely it was from the 160th SOAR, perhaps something big was/is in the works?

That story actually appeared in both publications, as well as initially as a tip from one of our FReepers here among a small group of us. I was of course wondering if they were connected as well. Bin Laden's presence could explain the high-tech weaponry, not seen much before now, in this area.

[No Blue States]

May God rest their heroic souls and give comfort and peace to their families and friends.

[mystery-ak]

The Chinooks are armed...I wish hubby would respond to this thread...but he might be busy..LOL

[Dog]

I heard that this took place in or near the Hindu Kush....isn't that in northeast Afghanistan?