Afghan military leader, 24 others killed in helicopter crash

Oct. 31 (UPI) -- An Afghanistan Army helicopter crashed in western Farah province Wednesday, killing more than two dozen on board, officials said.

Two choppers were traveling to neighboring Herat province when one crashed, officials said. All 25 people aboard were killed.

Among those on board were Nematullah Khalil, the deputy commander-in-chief of the Afghan Army's 207 Zafar Military Corps, and several leading members of the Farah provincial counsel.

Provincial government official Dadullah Qanehd said the chopper struck a mountaintop in poor weather.

The Taliban, though, took responsibility for the crash. A group spokesman said it was shot down by insurgents on the ground.

Afghan military and government officials typically travel by helicopter in regions where the Taliban has a large presence.