* From correspondents in Kabul
     * From: AFP
     * August 06, 2011 7:56PM

A total of 31 members of the US special forces have died in a helicopter
crash in eastern Afghanistan along with seven Afghans, a statement from
Afghan President Hamid Karzai's office said.

"The president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai
expressed condolences over a NATO helicopter crash and the deaths of 31
members of US special forces," today's statement statement said.

The crash late today represents the biggest death toll in a single
incident for international forces in Afghanistan since the start of the
war in 2001.

Seven Afghans were also killed in the crash, the statement said, taking
the total death toll in the incident to 38.

The Afghan defence ministry said they were also special forces.

"This helicopter crashed in Wardak province last night, as a result of
which including the crew members, 31 personnel of American special
forces lost their lives," the presidential statement said.

"In this incident, seven Afghan forces were also killed.

"The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses his
sympathy and deep condolences to US President Barack Obama and the
family of the victims."

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