5 soldiers lose lives in helicopter crash in Peru

The Joint Command of the Armed Forces of Peru (CCFFAA) said that the accident occurred on Saturday morning, while the helicopter, carrying a total of 12 servicemen, was performing a reconnaissance operation against illicit drug trafficking.

"The Joint Command of the Armed Forces deeply regrets the death of the courageous members of the Armed Forces and expresses its deepest condolences to their families", the statement says, listing the names of the five soldiers who died in the accident.

According to CCFFAA, another two servicemen are being searched for, while five others have been rescued, Sputnik reported.

The accident occurred due to a mechanical failure that caused the helicopter to crash into the Vilcanota River, CCFFAA said.

HJ/Sputnik