At least 11 killed in U.S. military plane crash in Afghanistan

Following the crash of a C-130 military aircraft of the U.S. Army in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, at least 11 people have been killed, including six military personnel from that country. Some U.S. media outlets, including NBC and ABC, have reported the death toll to be between 12 and 14, with five American military personnel among the casualties. The military cargo plane accident occurred early on Friday, October 1. Colonel Brian Tribus of the U.S. Army stated that the crew and passengers of the aircraft were killed. The crew consisted of U.S. Army personnel. According to Colonel Tribus, five civilian contractors were also on board the plane and are among the deceased. The contractors who fell victim to this incident were working for a training program organized by NATO. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo and transport aircraft can take off and land on rough terrain. The U.S. Army uses this aircraft for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies, especially in countries like Afghanistan. The Taliban group in Afghanistan has claimed that they shot down this aircraft. NATO has not confirmed this claim. According to Agence France-Presse, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban, stated on a Twitter account that their forces shot down the American plane in Jalalabad. The Associated Press also reported this claim by the Taliban. Previously, the Taliban had made unverified claims during battles between the group and Afghan government forces or foreign troops. Reports indicate that the group tends to exaggerate events and use them for propaganda. NATO has not yet clarified the cause and details of the plane's crash. The crash occurred in eastern Afghanistan at a time when the Afghan army, supported by U.S. air support and NATO special forces, was advancing toward the center of the city of Kunduz. This northern city was captured by the Taliban on Monday, but Afghan officials announced on Thursday morning that they had regained control of large parts of it. The Dari section of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports that the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Interior have stated that the city has been 'completely' cleared of militants. Jalalabad is located near the Pakistan border and on the route to Kabul. The border areas of Pakistan with Afghanistan are home to a large number of militants. Jalalabad Airport has previously been targeted by several attacks, including a suicide attack in 2012. Most coalition forces have left Afghanistan, but a small group of NATO forces, including some American soldiers, remain in the country. NATO and the United States are primarily engaged in training Afghan military forces.