Ban deeply saddened by news of helicopter crash in Afghanistan

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his deep sadness at the news of the helicopter crash on the outskirts of the Afghan capital, Kabul, which claimed the lives of over a dozen Turkish soldiers and Afghan civilians.

According to media reports, the NATO helicopter crashed into a house earlier today killing 12 Turkish soldiers on board and four Afghan civilians on the ground.

Turkish Government officials have reportedly said that the cause was apparently a technical problem.

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