ISAF helicopter makes hard landing in Khost

KHOST CITY (PAN) helicopter crashed during a security operation in the southeastern province of Khost, witnesses said on Friday.

 Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings, an ISAF spokesperson, told Pajhwok Afghan News the aircraft suffered a mishap in eastern Afghanistan during an operation on Thursday evening.

“Initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area and ISAF forces have secured the scene.  The cause of the incident is under investigation,” Cummings said.

Witness Wahidullah said the helicopter crashed in the Walai village between Zazai Maidan and Bak districts of Khost, near the Pakistan border.

After the incident, foreign troops cordoned off the area and took away the helicopter’s wreckage, he added. No one was allowed to enter the area.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed their fighters had shot down the chopper, killing 15 ISAF soldiers on board.

myn/mud