Afghan Taliban reportedly took at least seven crew members hostage as a Punjab government helicopter crash landed in Logar province of Afghanistan.
#COAS called Gen Nicolson,Comd RSM in Afgn,asked him to help in recovery of crew of Punjab govt heli that crash landed in logar province-1/3
— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 4, 2016
According to ISPR spokesman, the COAS not only contacted General Nicholson but Afghan government and ANA authorities have also been contacted for necessary assistance in recovery of the crew members.
“General Nicholson assured all possible help in this regard,” said Asim Bajwa, the ISPR spokesman.
while on its way to Russia via Uzbekistan.Heli was going to Russia for maintenance.Gen Nicolson assured all possible help in this regard-2 — Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 4, 2016
Afghan govt and ANA authorities have also been contacted for necessary assistance in recovery of the crew members-3
— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 4, 2016
Reports in Afghan media suggested that the helicopter crash landed and allegedly caught fire. However, some residents in the area said the Taliban torched the chopper after it crashed.
The chopper, a Mi-17, was on its way to Russia for a repair job.
Earlier, Foreign Office spokesman, in a statement, said that the helicopter’s repairing schedule was pre-decided and it was on its way for the purpose, when the crash took place.
According to details obtained by ARY News, Retired Colonel Asghar, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Shafiq, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Nasir, Retired Havaldar Kausar, Major Safdar and a Russian aviator was onboard the aircraft.
