The U.S. military is now admitting that the helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Tuesday was most likely caused by hostile fire. The MH-47 helicopter, a variant on the Chinook transport, had 17 soldiers on board at the time it went down. Their whereabouts are presently listed as 'unknown.'
'Initial reports indicate the crash may have been caused by hostile fire,' the U.S. military statement said. 'The status of the service members is unknown at this time.'
According to a report published by Reuters, the aircraft was taking part in 'Operation Red Wing' when it was shot down. The mission was aimed at defeating al-Qaeda militants carrying out harassing attacks and gathering intelligence.
American troops and aircraft surrounded the area where the helicopter went down but no bodies have been recovered or even sighted as of yet. The terrain in the area does make locating survivors or bodies difficult. The helicopter went down in the Hindu Kush mountains west of Asadabad near the Pakistan border. The mountain range includes peaks that are more than 7,000 feet high and are snow covered year-round.
'This is a tragic event for all of us, and our hearts and prayers go out to the families, loved ones and service members still fighting in the area,' said U.S. Army Brigadier General Greg Champion. 'Our courage and commitment to America's fight in the Global War on Terror will not waver. This incident will only further our resolve to defeat the enemies of peace.'
Meanwhile, the search for those downed in yesterday's crash continues.
