US sends choppers to bolster aid efforts in flood-hit Pak

ISLAMABAD - The United States has sent two US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and a US Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter to Pakistan as part of the continued humanitarian assistance to the flood-stricken country.

Apart from pledging 76 million dollars as initial humanitarian assistance for flood-affected people, the US has so far sent hundreds of marines, 31 helicopters and 18 boats to support its rescue and relief efforts.

A US Embassy Spokesman in Islamabad confirmed that all the US troops and assets were put at the disposal of the Pakistani Armed Forces to tackle the unprecedented disaster.

“Our response has been consistent with our humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan,” The Nation quoted the spokesman, as saying.

The three aircraft are part of the contingent of 19 helicopters urgently ordered to Pakistan by US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates.

They will join the two other CH-53E helicopters already participating in relief operations.

Sources said that the remaining aircraft would arrive over the next few days, and will include two MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters and 12 US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. (ANI)