Top army commander among six killed in Pakistan chopper crash

Six Pakistan servicemen including a senior commander were killed in a helicopter crash during flood relief operations in southwestern Pakistan, the military confirmed Tuesday.

Civilian authorities in Pakistan depend heavily on the army during natural calamities such as the floods which have swamped parts of the country this monsoon season.

May you all rest in peace. Prayers and condolences for families of Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali, Major General Amjad, Brigadier Khalid, Major Saeed, Major Talha and Crew Chief Mudassir who rendered their lives for flood stricken people. pic.twitter.com/3d4ne2pQQk

— Ayaz Latif Palijo (@AyazLatifPalijo) August 2, 2022

A helicopter on relief operation in Balochistan was reported missing Monday night with six passengers and crew - including one of the army's top commanders, Lieutenant-General Sarfraz Ali.

In a statement Tuesday, the military said all aboard had died in a crash they attributed to bad weather.

"All the six officers and soldiers... embraced shahadat (martyrdom)," it said.

Fierce monsoon rains and deadly flooding have hit Pakistan hard this year - particularly in Balochistan province, bordering Iran and Afghanistan.

At least 478 people have died so far, including 136 in Balochistan.