Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Iranian General and Pilot During Combat Operations

 

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards general and a pilot were killed in a helicopter crash during military operations in the southeastern border region of Iran. General Hamid Mazandarani, who commanded the Neynava Brigade in Golestan Province, and pilot Hamed Jandaghi lost their lives when their helicopter went down in the Sirkand area of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, as reported in a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday.

The incident involved an IRGC gyroplane, a type of light aircraft, and occurred amidst ongoing combat operations. However, the IRGC's statement did not provide specific details regarding the mission or the circumstances that led to the crash.

Iran’s armed forces have been conducting operations in Sistan and Baluchistan since October 26, following an attack that resulted in the deaths of 10 police officers, an incident claimed by Sunni Muslim militants. In the course of these operations, Iranian media have reported that several militants have been killed and others apprehended.

Sistan-Baluchistan, one of Iran's most impoverished provinces, shares borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan, and has been a focal point for security operations aimed at combating militant groups operating in the region.