An Afghan military helicopter crashed in the northern part of the country on Sunday after hitting a power cable, according to the Ministry of Defense. The incident occurred in the province of Samangan, specifically in the Kholim district, when the MD-530 helicopter was patrolling the area after taking off from the northern province of Balkh.

 

Officials from the ministry stated that the aircraft collided with a high-voltage power cable before crashing. Unfortunately, the accident resulted in the death of at least two crew members on board. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed at this time.

 

Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, there is no clarity on the number of helicopters, including those of US origin, that have fallen into the group's hands. During the collapse of the previous government, numerous Afghan pilots sought refuge in Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan or Uzbekistan.

 

During the 20-year war against the Taliban insurgency, Afghan Air Force pilots played a crucial role alongside their American counterparts. Helicopter airstrikes resulted in significant losses for the Taliban and forced them to abandon positions they had taken in different parts of the country.

 

After the Taliban regained power, approximately 140 Afghan pilots and others were relocated from Tajikistan to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, before heading to their final destination in the United States.

 

The Taliban Ministry of Defense issued a statement confirming the accident and the tragic loss of two pilots on the MD-530 military helicopter. "Unfortunately, our brave comrades lost their lives when it crashed into an electrical tower in the area of Julum," the statement declared.

 

Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the accident, and further statements on the matter are expected in the coming days.