The Associated Press in its exclusive report writing, more than 20 members of the Navy SEAL unit killed Osama bin Laden was among those missing in helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
Operators of SEAL Team Six crew were flown by 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Information was obtained from one former AP U.S. officials. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because the family was being notified about the loss of their loved ones.
Earlier, news agencies reported a military helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan, killing 31 U.S. soldiers and seven special operations forces personnel Afghanistan. An American official said the possibility of the helicopter was shot down, in the deadliest single incident for U.S. forces in the war for a decade.
The Taliban claimed that they dropped the helicopter with rocket fire. It said wreckage was scattered at the scene.
NATO confirmed last night the accident occurred and that it "is the result of enemy activity in that area." But they refused to release details of the victims.
"We're in the process of accessing the facts," said U.S. Air Force Captain Justin Brockhoff, a spokesman for NATO.
President Barack Obama has expressed grief over the death of U.S. troops was the best. He calls the accident serves as a reminder of the "extraordinary sacrifices" made by the U.S. military and their families. He said Americans grieve for the "citizens of Afghanistan who was killed along with our troops."