Hail storm damages 50 NATO helicopters in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 27 (UPI) -- A heavy hail storm in southern Afghanistan damaged about 50 NATO-led coalition security forces helicopters stationed in the area, officials said.

The helicopters were at Kandahar Airfield when the storm hit Tuesday, Khaama Press reported Friday.

The exact number of helicopters damaged was not reported, but a service member at Kandahar Airfield, speaking on condition of anonymity, said about 50 helicopters were damaged.

A coalition spokesperson said forces were working to repair the damaged aircraft.

Helicopters that sustained more severe damage have been grounded, delaying the transportation of equipment and service members, Khaama Press said.