Afghanistan: Ban saddened by loss of lives in helicopter crash

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his profound sadness at the news of the helicopter crash that took the lives of both Afghan and United States soldiers in Afghanistan.

“The Secretary-General wishes to convey his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims and expresses his profound condolences to the Governments of Afghanistan and the United States,” a statement issued by his spokesperson said.

The helicopter was reportedly shot down by the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan in the early hours of Saturday.

Thirty Americans and eight Afghans were killed, according to media reports, in what is being called the largest single US loss of life in the Afghan conflict.