Photo: President Obama Briefed on Helicopter Shot Down in Afghanistan

Posted on August 10, 2011

President Barack Obama looks grim and serious as he takes a phone call about the tragedy in Afghanistan. The phone call is part of a briefing by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, Chief of Staff Bill Daley, and national security staff.

30 American troops were killed in the incident where a U.S. helicopter was shot down. 22 of the troops were Navy SEALS. The troops were on a rescue mission to help U.S. Army Rangers pinned down by enemy fire. The helicopter being destroyed was apparently part of an elaborate trap set by the Taliban.