The following excerpt is from a Department of Defense e-mail:
Allen Expresses Condolences Over Helicopter Crash
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2012 - The commander of the International Security Assistance Force, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, expressed his condolences over the crash of an ISAF helicopter in the Bagrami district of Afghanistan's Kabul province today, military officials reported.
Twelve ISAF service members, all of whom were from Turkey, died as a result of the crash, officials said. Four Afghan civilians also died in the crash.
"My deepest sympathies go out to the families of these ISAF service members and the Afghan civilians who died as a result of this unfortunate incident," Allen said. "Turkey has been a steadfast ally and stalwart member of the NATO ISAF coalition from the beginning."
The deceased service members "put their lives on the line each day they donned the Turkish uniform in order to help build a better life for another proud and noble nation and I pay tribute to their service," Allen said. "I am honored to have led them in a mission for which their families can be incredibly proud."
Initial ISAF operational reporting showed no insurgent activity in the area at the time of the crash.
