Afghan President Hamid Karzai has expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the death of 17 Spanish soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter crash Tuesday.

"On behalf of the government and people of Afghanistan, I extend my deep condolences to the government of Spain, people and the bereaved families of the victims," the president said in a statement issued Wednesday.

The 17 Spanish soldiers lost their lives when their helicopter crashed in western Herat province during exercise Tuesday afternoon.

"Afghans would never forget the invaluable services and sacrifices of Spanish soldiers rendered for the stability of Afghanistan under ISAF flag," said Karzai.

Over 900 Spanish soldiers have been serving under the NATO-led 8,000-strong International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

Source: Xinhua