Six Pakistani soldiers and two soldiers, from Russia and Serbia, were on board the plane when it crashed, writes the news agency.

According to a representative of the Pakistani army's press department, this took place in connection with a reconnaissance mission in Congo.

What caused the crash is not clear, according to the press department.

According to the Congolese military, however, the helicopter was shot down by rebels.

It is said to have happened after the rebel group M23 attacked a series of villages in the area on Monday, according to a statement from the military.

The helicopter was one of two that were on a mission to coordinate a humanitarian relief effort after the attack.

Several armed groups are moving in the mineral-rich areas in the eastern part of the country, which has long been affected by the war.

The M23 rebels have recently increased their activity in the region.