13 Killed In Turkish Military Helicopter Crash

A Turkish military helicopter has crashed killing all 13 personnel on board.

The crash occurred in the province of Sirnak, near Turkey's border with Iraq, where Turkish troops are engaged in operations against Kurdish militants.

In a statement, the military said the crash appeared to be accidental, with initial information indicating that the AS 532 Cougar had hit a high-voltage transmission line shortly after taking off from its base.

No information on the victims has been provided but the private DHA news agency has said the helicopter was carrying a delegation, headed by a major-general.

Other media reports said there were six other officers on board.

The helicopter crashed at 8.55pm local time. An investigation into the incident is currently under way.

Cover image is a library photo of an AS 532 Cougar.