Army helicopter crash in Colombia results in the death of 9 soldiers | Global News

An army helicopter carrying supplies to troops crashed in a rural area in northern Colombia on Monday, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine soldiers on board, the country’s armed forces confirmed.

The helicopter was en route to the municipality of Santa Rosa del Sur, an area that has been plagued by recent clashes between the National Liberation Army guerrilla group and the drug trafficking organization known as the Gulf Clan.

The Colombian military issued a statement describing the helicopter crash as an accident, expressing deep regret over the loss of lives. President Gustavo Petro also mourned the deaths, stating, “I regret the death of the nine passengers on board the army’s helicopter. It was supplying troops… that were conducting operations against the Gulf Clan.”

The crash occurred around 1:50 pm local time and involved an MI-17 Russian-built chopper, commonly used for transporting troops and supplies. Among the victims were two officers, two sergeants, and three privates. Tragically, none of the passengers on the helicopter survived the crash.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by military personnel operating in conflict zones and underscores the risks associated with providing support in volatile areas. The Colombian armed forces are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future.