Bogot: Nine Colombian soldiers lost their lives on Monday following the crash of their helicopter in the northern Bolivar department, according to authorities.

The incident occurred while the military was engaged in combat with the largest cocaine cartel in the region.

President Gustavo Petro stated that the helicopter was transporting new troops for operations against the Gulf Clan when the crash took place, but neither he nor the military provided details on the cause of the accident.

There was no mention of whether the cartel, known to have around 4,000 armed members, was involved in the incident.

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