OpinionBug.com

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter ferrying troops crashed in Afghanistan’s Kunar province today. Status of the crew and troops is unknown at this time:

Update (6/28/2005 2:48pm):

CBS News is reporting that 16 troops were onboard the helicopter:

Update (6/28/2005 7:14pm):

CENTCOM says fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are providing close air-support to ground forces on the scene. Reuters is reporting that Taliban Commander Mullah Rauf says the helicopter was shot down by Taliban guerrillas [. . .].

Update (6/29/2005 10:23am):

CENTCOM said this morning that 17 service members were on board the CH-47 when it went down west of Asadabad. Initial reports indicate hostile fire may have brought the helicopter down. Status of the service members is still unknown and aircraft remain overhead.

CENTCOM also said a search is underway for a service member that fell into the Pech river west of Asadabad. CENTCOM did not say if the squad was assisting in rescue efforts connected to the downed CH-47.

Update (6/30/2005 7:12am):

CENTCOM said this morning that the crash site has been secured and status of crewmembers is being ascertained. It also identified the helicopter as an MH-47 which is flown by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Update (6/30/2005 9:06am):

The BBC says American officials report that 13 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage. Seven service members remain unaccounted for.

Our heart-felt prayers and condolences go out to the families of these brave men.

Update (6/30/2005 3:25pm):

Reuters says the Pentagon has confirmed that all 16 troops aboard the MH-47 died in the crash.

God bless them and their families.

Update (6/30/2005 8:19pm):

Reuters is reporting that some troops are still missing. A BBC report earlier today said that 13 bodies had been recovered and seven were unaccounted for. If the Pentagon says 16 bodies have been found then that raises the spectre of Americans being held captive by the Taliban.

It isn’t over yet, please continue to pray for them.

Update (6/30/2005 8:34pm):

Froggy Ruminations is following the story closely. Check it out.

Hat tip: Michelle Malkin

Update (7/1/2005 7:10am):

The Pentagon continues to say that the bodies of all 16 service members onboard the MH-47 have been recovered so perhaps the BBC was mistaken in its numbers.

Reuters said this morning that a small U.S. reconnaissance team the Special Forces unit was going to support cannot be located. An unreliable Taliban spokesman claims insurgents “executed” seven spies before the helicopter crashed.