Annan saddened by death of Spanish military personnel in Afghan crash

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed his sorrow at the helicopter crash that killed 17 Spanish military personnel serving with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

“He extends his profound condolences to the Spanish Government and to the bereaved families,” a statement issued by his spokesman in New York said.

The Security Council authorized the establishment of ISAF in December 2001 to help maintain security in the country as it emerged from decades of occupation, civil war and turmoil following the ouster of the Taliban regime earlier that year.