ISLAMABAD: Eight United Nations peacekeepers, including six Pakistanis were killed in a helicopter crash in Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, the Pakistani military's media wing said.

“On Mar 29, 2022, while undertaking a reconnaissance mission in Congo, a PUMA Helicopter crashed. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained. Eight UN peacekeepers on board including six Pakistanis Officers/ soldiers have embraced martyrdom,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Those who embraced martyrdom include: Lt Col Asif Ali Awan, Pilot, Maj Saad Nomani, Co Pilot, Maj Faizan Ali, N/Sub Sami Ullah Khan, Flight Engineer, Havaldar Muhammad Ismail, Crew Chief and L/Hav Muhamad Jamil, Gunner.

“Pakistan has always played a pivotal role as responsible member of the international community to help realise ideals of global peace and security through active participation in various UN Peacekeeping missions. Our Peacekeepers have always distinguished themselves in executing challenging peacekeeping tasks in conflict prone areas through devotion and, if necessary, rendering supreme sacrifices,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, in another statement earlier in the day, ISPR said on 28/29 March night, Pakistan Army and Police conducted a joint Intelligence Based Operation on reported presence of terrorists in general area Sheri Khel, Lakki Marwat.

"During intense exchange of fire, 4 terrorists got killed and one terrorist got apprehended. Killed terrorists have been identified as Terrorist Commander Sajid, Terrorist Aleem, Terrorist Aftab and Terrorist Fazal ur Rehman," the ISPR said, adding that large amount of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorists.

The killed terrorists remained actively involved in kidnapping and terrorist activities against innocent civilians and security forces. These terrorists were also involved in shahadat of a FC soldier in Jan 22.

Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the area.