On the afternoon of April 29, a Colombian military helicopter crashed in a remote northern region of the country, resulting in the death of all nine soldiers on board.

The aircraft, a Russian-made MI-17 helicopter often utilized for transporting troops and supplies, was en route to Santa Rosa del Sur. This area has recently been the site of conflict between Colombian forces, the National Liberation Army guerrilla group, and the drug trafficking organization known as the Gulf Clan, as reported by the Colombian military.

The crash took place around 1:50 p.m., according to a statement from the military. The casualties included two officers, two sergeants, and three private soldiers. The victims’ identities were not immediately released.

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro addressed the tragedy on social media platform X, previously Twitter, 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.”

Although the MI-17 helicopter is a staple in military operations, crashes are not an uncommon occurrence. Several military personnel have been killed in similar incidents this year.

The Gulf Clan, a criminal organization regarded as one of Colombia’s most dangerous, boasts approximately 6,000 members. The group is notorious for its involvement in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and other criminal activity, coupled with a violent history of murders and forced displacements.

The former leader of the Gulf Clan, Dairo Antonio Usuga, also known as Otoniel, was sentenced to a 45-year prison term in the United States in 2023.

The loss of these nine soldiers is a substantial setback to Colombia’s ongoing efforts to establish security in the region and counteract the activities of illegal armed groups. Despite this, the government remains committed to continuing its operations against the Gulf Clan and other criminal organizations.