A helicopter reportedly lost contact with Royal Cambodian Air Force headquarters yesterday (July 12) while training in the Cardamom Mountains, spanning Pursat and Koh Kong provinces, early today (July 13).

In a press statement released an hour ago, the Ministry of National Defence attributed the accident to bad weather conditions.

Search efforts by relevant units have been ongoing since this morning, but the helicopter has not yet been located. The search and rescue team continues their extensive efforts.

The ministry has not provided information on the number of people on board the helicopter.

The statement confirmed speculation circulating on social media, countering claims that the ministry was attempting to withhold information.