By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
WASHINGTON — Three DEA agents were among 10 Americans killed Monday in a helicopter crash in the western part of Afghanistan, authorities said.
The Associated Press reported that the agents were in a a helicopter that went down after leaving a firefight. Seven U.S. service members were also killed. Additionally, 11 American service members, one U.S. civilian and 14 Afghans were injured.
In another incident Monday, two U.S. Marine helicopters – one UH-1 and an AH-1 Cobra – collided in in the southern province of Helmand, killing four American troops and wounding two more, the AP reported.
Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium, which is the key ingredient in heroin. Authorities say the Tabliban has been trafficking in opium to help finance operations.
A DEA spokesman said Monday afternoon that the agency was not commenting.
