ISLAMABAD, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani army has rescued a Russian climber stranded at a high peak in the country's northern mountainous region, the military said on Tuesday.
"In a daring rescue attempt early morning today (Tuesday), Pakistani Army aviation pilots rescued a Russian climber Alexander Gukov who was stuck at 20,650 feet high Latok Peak in Biafo Glacier in Northern areas of Pakistan," a military statement said.
The Russian climber has been shifted to a military hospital in Skardu city for necessary medical care, the statement from the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations said.
The army said the unprecedented rescue mission was undertaken by Pakistani army aviation helicopters under extreme weather conditions, making it the first ever rescue from such a height in Pakistan.
The Russian climber has been stuck on Latok Peak since July 25 and has exhausted his supplies.
A total of 7 rescue attempts were made between July 26 to 30 but due to snow clouds, the climber could not be located, the statement said.
Also on July 1, the Pakistani Army carried out a successful operation in northern areas and rescued two British mountaineers who were stranded in Hunza Valley.
