In Afghanistan the NATO coalition headquarters has confirmed the death of 38 persons onboard the CH-47 Chinook helicopter that crashed in Maidan Wardak province yesterday morning. A press release issued by International Joint command says 30 US soldiers, 7 Afghan commandos and one civilian interpreter were killed in the crash. The press release also says that the incident represents the highest number of U.S. forces killed during a single event in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In his condolence message General John R. Allen, the Commander of International Security Assistance Force has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said all those killed in the operation were true heroes who had contributed to the defense of Afghanistan’s freedom. Meanwhile an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has also mourned the death of the NATO and Afghan soldiers and conveyed his sympathy and condolences towards their families. Meanwhile, the Taliban claiming responsibility for the incident has said its fighters shot down the helicopter with a rocket.