Pentagon confirms its military jet crash in Afghan territory

A US military jet crashed in mountainous territory in eastern Afghanistan, where there is a heavy Taliban presence, the Pentagon confirmed on Monday.

Pentagon also rejected the insurgents´ suggestions that the jet shot down.

Afghanistan US Forces spokesman Colonel Sonny Leggett confirmed in a statement that the aircraft was a US Bombardier E-11A.

Its a type of jet used as a military airborne communications node in the region.

“While the cause of crash is under investigation, there are no indications the crash was caused by enemy fire,” Leggett said.

Leggett gave no information on casualties in the crash.

Earlier, a Taliban spokesman said the plane had crashed with no survivors.

Later, another version of the statement from the insurgents said they had brought the plane down.

“An aircraft of American occupiers has crashed in Ghazni province,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a Pashto-language statement.

However, he added that all crew members onboard had killed.

Large swathes of rural areas in Ghazni province controlled or under the influence of Taliban militants, making access difficult for officials.

Earlier, the US military has confirmed one of its planes crashed in Taliban-held territory in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province.

According to an Afghan official, two pilots found dead amid the wreckage.

Officials told the media there were no indications it had been brought down by enemy activity.

The official further said the cause of the crash still investigated and he would not discuss the fate of the crew.

The aircraft crashed in Deh Yak district, Ghazni province, an area with a strong Taliban presence.