Helicopter crashes in Venezuela, 18 dead

The Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has announced that a military helicopter has crashed close to the border with Columbia. It is reported that 18 people have died.

The president announced to the nation that 16 soldiers,including one general and one civilian were killed in the accident. The news was given in a broadcast which is shown weekly to the nation. The general was named as Domingo Faneite. President Chavez said "I pay tribute to these soldiers of the homeland, especially Gen Faneite, who was my cadet". It isn't known yet what might have caused the helicopter to crash. It is said that any contact with the helicopter was lost a short while after noon. A few days ago the Colombian President requested the help of Venezuela to search out members of the left-wing Farc which are said to be hiding in the borders with the country. It has not been made public yet if the helicopter was taking part in increased efforts against the rebel group.