Led by President Barack Obama, the US today mourned the death of its 31 soldiers in Afghanistan who were killed after the Taliban shot down their helicopter, even as Washington vowed to "stay the course" to complete the mission in the war ravaged country.
"Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan," Obama said, on the deadliest single incident for foreign troops since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan.
Thirty-one US special forces and seven Afghan soldiers were killed when the Taliban shot down their helicopter, media reports quoting provincial officials said in Afghanistan.
The Chinook helicopter was downed late Friday during an anti-Taliban operation in an insurgent-infested district of the eastern province of Wardak, southwest of Kabul.
"We will draw inspiration from their lives, and continue the work of securing our country and standing up for the values that they embodied. We also mourn the Afghans who died alongside our troops in pursuit of a more peaceful and hopeful future for their country," he said.
At this difficult hour, Obama said all Americans are united in support of their men and women in uniform who serve so that we they can live in freedom and security.
ABC news reported that among the 31 US soldiers killed 25 belonged to the elite US Navy SEALS.
"We will stay the course to complete that mission, for which they and all who have served and lost their lives in Afghanistan have made the ultimate sacrifice," Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said.
Deeply saddened by the loss of many outstanding Americans in uniform and of their Afghan counterparts in Afghanistan, Panetta, said their courage was exemplary, as was their determination to make this a safer world for their countries and for their fellow citizens.
"They and their families are in my thoughts, in my prayers and in my heart," Panetta said.
The NATO Secretary General, Fogh Rasmussen said he is deeply saddened by the deaths of US service members and Afghan soldiers in today's helicopter incident.
"In this tragic moment I would like to stress NATO's strong solidarity with the American and the Afghan people as well as with their respective Governments," he said.
NATO and its allies, he said are determined to stay the course, especially in this crucial period when Afghan and international security forces are working closer than ever to make transition a success.
Democratic leader, Nancy Pelosi, said the loss of US men and women in uniform is always a great tragedy to the nation.
"Today, on the deadliest day for American forces since the war in Afghanistan began, we are reminded of the service and sacrifice of our troops," she said.
"We pray for the families of those lost, that they may find comfort in the deep and abiding gratitude of the American people," Pelosi said.
