KABUL - Seven Afghan nationals who were killed in a Ukrainian plane crash in Iran have been identified, the Afghan Embassy in Tehran said on Tuesday.
The Ukrainian airliner burst into flames shortly after take-off from Tehran last week, killing all 176 people aboard. Iran has acknowledged that its military “unintentionally” shot down a Ukrainian plane. At least 13 Afghan nationals were among the victims.
In a statement, the Afghan Embassy in Iran told Pajhwok Afghan News that efforts at assisting the Afghan victims’ families were stepped up following directions from President Ashraf Ghani.
The seven slain Afghan nationals were identified as Sakina Ahmadzai, Muhsin Ahmadi, Mutahira Ahmadi, Rahima Katibi, Shahram Tajik, Mehdi Tajik and Mehdi Razee.
The families of the identified slain Afghans could receive the bodies and efforts are underway to determine the identities of the remaining six Afghans.
Iran president Mohammad Hassan Rouhani has said the forces who hit the plane would be severely punished. (Pajhwok)