Karzai calls Obama to condole death of US marines

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai made a telephone call to his American counterpart Barack Obama to express his condolence on death of more than 30 US soldiers in a helicopter crash.

"President Obama received a call today from President Karzai of Afghanistan, who reiterated his condolences for the tragic loss of 30 American service-members yesterday in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement on Sunday.

Obama noted the extraordinary service of the Americans who gave their lives, and expressed his condolences for the Afghans who died serving by their side.

"The two Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the mission in Afghanistan, which is critical to the security of both our countries, and agreed to stay in close contact," the White House said.

According to an Afghan diplomat, during their telephone conference, Karzai expressed his deep sympathies and condolences to Obama and the families and relatives of the victims of the tragic loss of 31 US soldiers in a helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan.

"Obama thanked President Karzai for sympathising and stressed on the fight against the terrorist who are the threat to regional and world security and said that the people of Afghanistan and the US stand against terrorists and their sacrifice in this way will never be forgotten," the diplomat said.