06.08.2011 Special Ops Chinook Downed In Afghanistan

A MH-47 Chinook helicopter has been shot down in Afghanistan. 30 US servicemen were killed in the incident. Many of the dead were from SEAL Team 6 (DEVGRU), the same unit that killed Osama Bin Laden in May this year. The death toll also includes the helicopter's crew, from the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, several Air Force Combat Controllers and a number of Afghan commandos.

It is being reported that the Chinook was shot down by RPG fire as it took part in a raid at Sayd Abad in Wardak Province. It is understood that the SEALs and other forces were being flown in to aid US Army Rangers who were engaged in a firefight on the ground.

More info :

• Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan Reportedly Kills Members of SEAL Team 6
  (fox news)
  
  
• US special forces Afghan helicopter downed 'by Taliban'
  (bbc)
  
  

A MH-47 Chinook operated by the 160th SOAR. The heavy-lift helicopter's size allows it to carry a large number of troops in battle but also makes it a big, tempting target for the Taliban.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Cruz G. Sotelo/Released

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