32 Dead in Russian Military Plane Crash in Syria

W460

A Russian transport plane crashed on landing at Russia's Hmeimim airbase in Syria, killing all 32 on board, the defense ministry said in a statement carried by RIA Novosti.

There were 26 passengers and 6 crew, the ministry said. 

"The reason for the crash according to preliminary information could have been a technical fault," the ministry said, adding that the plane had not come under fire according to a report from the ground. 

The transporter was around 500 meters from the runway, the statement said.

A commission will investigate the causes of the crash. 

Moscow began conducting air strikes in Syria in September 2015, and its intervention has swung the nearly seven-year conflict firmly in favor of its ally in Damascus. 

The latest accident comes after a Sukhoi military jet crashed while trying to take off from Hmeimim in October last year, killing two crew.

Russia's most recent officially acknowledged military loss in battle in Syria was last month when a pilot was killed after his plane was downed over Idlib province.

Russia's official military losses in the war before the crash were 45.

Moscow last month also said that five citizens, not officially affiliated with the Russian military, were likely killed in the strikes in eastern Syria -- the first admission of non-military combat casualties.

Comments 6
Thumb marcus 06 March 2018, 16:28

Good Riddance
I am sure the women and children in Ghouta are mourning this filth.

Thumb ice-man 06 March 2018, 16:50

How Sad....
How Tragic....
How very Unfortunate.....

Thank God there were only 32 dead Russians.

Thumb janoubi 06 March 2018, 19:16

it's 39 dead, iceman:)

Thumb janoubi 06 March 2018, 19:17

وزارة الدفاع الروسية: عدد قتلى تحطم طائرة الأنتونوف العسكرية في حميميم 39 وليس 32.۔

Thumb galaxy 06 March 2018, 18:05

couldn't have happened to nicer people

Thumb shab 06 March 2018, 20:31

Lol