KABUL, April 27: A Nato plane crashed in Afghanistan on Saturday killing four service members, the coalition said.

The plane crashed in the south of the country, according to a statement from Nato’s International Security Assistance Force.

“The cause of the crash is under investigation, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the crash,” it said.

Most international soldiers in southern Afghanistan are from the United States, but the nationality of the dead was not released.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Taliban, who earlier on Saturday announced the start of their annual “spring offensive” vowing a nationwide series of attacks as Nato troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

Aircraft crashes are fairly frequent in Afghanistan, where the 100,000-strong international mission relies heavily on air transport as it battles the insurgency across the south and east of the country.

Earlier this month, two US troops were killed when a Nato helicopter crashed in the eastern Afghanistan, while five American troops died in Kandahar in May when their helicopter came down during a heavy rainstorm.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...