Russian helicopter crashes in Syria
Citing the Ministry of Defense, the RIA Novosti news agency reports that a MI-24 helicopter crashed in Syria while flying from the Khmeimim base to the Hama region. Both of the vehicle’s pilots were killed.
A flight mechanic was also on board the helicopter. He was injured, and was evacuated by the search and rescue team on Khmeimim airbase.
The Department of Defense reported that the incident occurred on December 31. They stressed that the helicopter was not shot at, and that a technical malfunction was responsible for the hard landing.
At the same time, the Conflict Intelligence Team claims that the MI-24 was escorting a convoy, but crashed on the border between the provinces of Hama and Homs after hitting the electric power supply line.
There is an active ceasefire being observed by both the government and Syrian opposition forces in the area where the helicopter crashed.
During a visit to Syria on December 11 of last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the withdrawal of the country's military participating in operations to combat terrorists. At the same time, the Kremlin and the Ministry of Defense stressed that a permanent task force will be maintained at the bases. This includes a navy station in Tartus, as well as an air force base in the province of Latakia.