On 29 March, a helicopter that was part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission crashed in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. The aircraft was on a reconnaissance mission. A search and rescue operations recovered eight bodies, six of the crew members were from Pakistan and two from Russia and Serbia.
This week, there have been clashes between Congolese military (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group. FARDC accuses M23 of shooting down the helicopter.
The UN mission did not identify the cause of the crash and said an investigation is underway.
With deep sadness we confirm the loss of 8 peacekeepers, including 6 Pakistani?? crew members & 2 military staff from Russia?? & Serbia??, who were on board a @MONUSCO helicopter that crashed today in North Kivu, #DRC. Our condolences to the families & gov'ts of the deceased. pic.twitter.com/VwEu9Hn02I
— UN Peacekeeping (@UNPeacekeeping) March 29, 2022
Saddened & shocked on loss of six Pakistan Army officers and soldiers in helicopter crash in Democratic Republic of Congo. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace in jannah. May Allah grant patience to the bereaved families. Ameen. @OfficialDGISPR @UN pic.twitter.com/lubAdBIQog
— Lt Gen (Retd) M Haroon Aslam, (@AVeteran1956) March 29, 2022
