WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Attorney General Eric Holder on the death of three U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Afghanistan:

"This morning, three U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents were tragically killed in the line of duty when the helicopter in which they were riding crashed in Western Afghanistan. While the circumstances of this crash are still being investigated, I want to express my deepest condolences to the families of these heroic agents. During this difficult time, the families of these agents are foremost in our thoughts and prayers.

"Every day, our law enforcement agents put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities and our country. It is an honor to work with these brave men and women from the DEA and all of our law enforcement components and to call them my colleagues. While no words can lessen the sorrow being felt today by these families, I hope their loved ones know they have the unending respect and gratitude of this nation. They certainly have mine.

"Department of Justice personnel in Afghanistan are working side by side with their Afghan counterparts to enhance the rule of law in that country. As they continue to perform this important and oftentimes dangerous work, they will carry in their hearts and minds the valiant service performed by their colleagues to make both our nations safer."

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice

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