A U.S. military plane crashed at an airport in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, early Friday, killing at least 12 people, military officials said.
Of the 12 people killed, five were American service members, coalition spokesperson U.S. Army Col. Brian Tribus said, according to NBC News.
Another five who died were civilian contractors who had been passengers on the aircraft, and two were Afghan civilians who were on the ground. The contractors were part of "Resolute Support," a NATO-led mission that trains and advises Afghan security forces.
The C-130 is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that is typically used to transport troops and oversized cargo.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but the military said there were no reports of enemy fire in the area.
The Taliban later claimed responsibility for the crash, Agence France-Presse reported, but the claim could not immediately be confirmed.
President Obama issued the following statement on the crash:
Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the six U.S. Airmen and five contractors who lost their lives in a military plane crash in Jalalabad, Afghanistan yesterday. In addition to the Americans we mourn, we also are saddened that Afghan civilians lost their lives in this incident.As we mark this terrible loss of life, we are reminded of the sacrifice brave Americans and our Afghan partners make each and every day in the name of freedom and security. Their willingness to serve so selflessly will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and loved ones during this difficult hour. May God bless their souls.