U.S. Forces Kill Taliban Fighters Tied To Helicopter Crash

General John Allen, the head of U.S. forces Afghanistan, told reporters Wednesday that American forces killed Taliban fighters involved in Saturday’s deadly helicopter crash.

The fighters were killed late Monday in an air strike with F-16 fighter jets in Eastern Afghanistan. According to a statement from ISAF Joint Command, the Taliban fighter who shot at the helicopter was killed, as was Mullah Mohibullah, a Taliban leader a Defense Official says was involved in Saturday’s crash. Several other Taliban fighters also died in Monday’s strike.

Mohibullah and the shooter were reportedly attempting to flee the country.

30 American soldiers died in Saturday’s CH-47 helicopter crash after Taliban fighters are believed to have shot at the craft with a rocket propelled grenade launcher and small arms. It was the deadliest incident for U.S. forces in the decade-long war.

The Defense Department announced Wednesday that they will release the names of those killed in Saturday’s helicopter attack in Afghanistan within the next 24 hours.

The release was initially delayed after military leaders requested a review to probe any security implications posed by the disclosure.

An investigation of the crash has been opened and will be headed by Brigadier General Jeffrey Colt.