31 US troops die in Afghanistan; many from unit that killed bin Laden

[Che -Guevara]

KABUL, Afghanistan — A NATO helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Saturday killing 31 U.S. special-forces troops, including more than 20 Navy SEALS from the unit that killed Osama bin Laden, and 7 Afghan commandos.

 

It was the deadliest single combat incident for American troops in 10 years of war, according to an American official.

 

The operators from SEAL Team Six were flown by a crew of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regimen, according to U.S. officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because families are still being notified of the loss of their loved ones.

 

One source said the team was thought to include 22 SEALs, three Air Force air controllers, seven Afghan Army troops, a dog and his handler, and a civilian interpreter, plus the helicopter crew.

 

The sources thought this was the largest single loss of life ever for SEAL Team Six, known as the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

 

A brief statement from the presidential palace said the helicopter had crashed in central Wardak province, an area west of Kabul. The volatile region is known for its strong Taliban presence.

 

Afghan President Hamid Karzai "shared his deep sorrow and sadness" with U.S. counterpart Barack Obama and the families of the U.S. and Afghan victims, the statement said. Obama, who learned of the deaths while at Camp David, mourned the deaths of the 7 Afghan soldiers killed, and issued a written statement saying Americans' thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who perished.

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44043847/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/?gt1=43001#.Tj1_UGGYPhc

[Che -Guevara]

Taliban keeps its word.

[NASSIR]

^What you mean? And do you think this incident reverses the political gains made by the Obama admin in the context of the upcoming election.

[NASSIR]

It's a setback the Afghan and U.S Governments would contain from as far as domestic support for the long war is concerned. Afghanistan like Somalia can't be left to it's own device.