A Dutch F-16 fighter plane of ISAF crashed on Thursday in Afghanistan, killing the pilot, the NATO- led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.

The Netherlands confirmed the aircraft is a Dutch F16, it said, adding the location of the crash site is being withheld for security reasons.

The plane crashed at around 7:00 a.m. (0230 GMT) after a distress call but no reported enemy action, the statement said, adding the pilot was found dead at the crash site.

A rescue and recovery operation, jointly carried out by ISAF and the U.S.-led coalition forces, was launched almost immediately and continues.

On receiving news of the incident, Canadian Major General Angus Watt, head of ISAF air operations, said, "Our pilots are doing a magnificent job providing crucial support for ISAF's ground forces."

ISAF said further details, including results of an investigation into the crash, would be released by the Netherlands when they are available.

Source: Xinhua