Well, kinda, sorta…

Claims attributed to the Taliban in recent news reports regarding the capture of three U.S. military helicopters in Pakistan are false.

Four U.S. helicopter engines were stolen while enroute from Bagram Air Field to the U.S.

The loss was discovered earlier this spring. The collective value of the engines is 13.2 million dollars.

The shipment was a part of a routine redeployment of the 82d Airborne Division. The theft does not affect CJTF-101’s mission.

This issue is currently under investigation.

CJTF-101

Our prayers go out to the families of the Iraqis and to the family of the Coalition soldier.

MNF-I

Today at approximately 11:56 a.m., Coalition Combat Search and Rescue teams located the wreckage of an Iraqi Mi-17 helicopter north of Lake Thar Thar.

Recovery operations have been completed and there were no survivors. One Coalition force member was among the eight personnel onboard. Identities of the passengers and crew are being withheld pending notification of the families.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the brave service members who lost their lives in this tragedy,” said Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, Multi-National Force – Iraq spokesman. “They have our deepest condolences.”

The helicopter was reported overdue and presumed missing Monday. The last reported contact with the aircraft was Monday at 2:40 p.m.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.