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AFGHANISTAN-UNREST LEAD
25 killed in Afghan army helicopter crash: officials
HERAT, Afghanistan, Oct 31, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – An Afghan army helicopter
carrying 25 people crashed in western Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing all
those on board, officials said.
The aircraft crashed due to “bad weather” in Anar Dara district, Farah
provincial governor spokesman Nasir Mehri said, but the Taliban claimed its
militants brought it down.
Both pilots and 23 passengers were killed.
Among the dead were the deputy army corps commander for western
Afghanistan and head of the Farah provincial council, Mehri said.
Provincial council member Dadullah Qaneh said the helicopter hit a
mountain peak in poor weather en route to neighbouring Herat province.
Senior government and military officials often travel by helicopter in
regions where the Taliban has a large presence.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1330