Tajikistan confirms death of 20 servicemen in helicopter crash.

18/10 Tass 257
DUSHANBE, October 18 (Itar-Tass) -- The Tajik authorities have
officially confirmed the death of 20 out of 27 servicemen who were on
board a Mi-8 helicopter which crashed in the east of Tajikistan on October
6.
First Deputy Chairman of the Tajik Committee on National Security
Mansurdzhon Umarov told Itar-Tass that seven Tajik National Guard
officers, including the helicopter crew, and 13 servicemen from Alpha
special tasks force unit were among the victims killed. One of the Alpha
servicemen, Major Fakhriddin Khidirov, has survived and his life is not in
danger, Umarov said.
The bodies of six Alpha servicemen have not been found. Experts of the
Tajik Tsentrospas rescue centre continue search efforts.
The helicopter caught on metallic wire when approaching Novobad
military airport in the east of Tajikistan. It overturned and fell into a
fast river - the Surkhob.
The Tajik security forces with the Tajik power structures have been
conducting an operation to liquidate illegal armed formations in the east
of Tajikistan. The operation began after the militants attacked a military
convoy of the Tajik Defence Ministry on September 19, killing 28 Tajik
servicemen.
Meanwhile, Dushanbe officials have been conducting negotiations on
weapons surrender with anti-government formations in exchange for amnesty
promised by Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon. No details were given.
Two field commanders and 26 militants have reportedly surrendered to
the authorities.
-0-ere/sun