ISLAMABAD — An American climber from Texas has been confirmed among the mountaineers killed after a devastating avalanche struck Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains, in northern Pakistan.

Pakistani Army and local officials confirmed that search teams have recovered four bodies from the avalanche site on Broad Peak, according to reports by The Wall Street Journal. Among the victims identified so far is Mallory Geis, 39, of San Antonio, Texas, along with an Omani climber and a Nepali climber.

The avalanche struck as a 10-member international expedition attempted to climb the 26,401-foot (8,051-meter) peak in Pakistan’s remote Karakoram mountain range. Contact with the team was lost shortly after the avalanche, prompting an extensive rescue operation involving military personnel and local emergency crews.

Rescue teams continued searching Friday for six climbers who remain missing. However, challenging weather conditions, rugged terrain, and limited helicopter access have significantly slowed the operation.

The climbing team included five Nepali climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, American climber Mallory Geis, Omani climber Nathira, a Chinese climber identified as Wang, and another foreign climber.

Broad Peak, located near K2 in northern Pakistan, is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and is known for its extreme weather and avalanche risks. Authorities have not yet released the identities of all victims and missing climbers as search efforts continue.