News

August 16, 2021

Afghan combat aircraft crashes in Uzbekistan in wake of fall of Kabul

5 die at chaotic Afghan airport as Taliban proclaims peace

An Afghan combat aircraft late on Sunday crashed in the south of neighbouring Uzbekistan.

The aircraft was hit by an air defence system while illegally crossing the border, the Uzbekistan Ministry of Defence said on Monday, according to Uzbek media.

The accident happened after the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital, Kabul.

READ ALSO: 5 die at chaotic Afghan airport as Taliban proclaims peace

The Uzbek news portal Gazeta.uz reported that the plane crashed in the province of Surkhandarya for reasons that are still unclear.

Two pilots were able to save themselves with a parachute and were taken to hospital, the news portal reported.

It was unclear whether they were trying to escape from the Taliban or if there was another reason the plane was flying over Uzbekistan. (dpa/NAN) 

Vanguard News Nigeria