Dozens dead after Russian plane crashes in Syria

The Russian defense ministry on Tuesday confirmed a Russian Antonov AN-26 military transport plane crashed at the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, killing 26 passengers and six members of the crew. Photo by British Ministry of Defense/ EPA-EFE/RAF

March 6 (UPI) — A Russian military transport plane crashed Tuesday as it was about to land in Syria, killing more than three dozen people on board, officials said.

The Antonov-26 aircraft crashed at Russia’s Khmeimim airbase in the Latakia province and killed 39, state-run RIA-Novosti reported.

Preliminary data suggest a technical malfunction may have caused the aircraft to crash short of the runway, according to the Russian defense ministry.

The airbase is the main site for Russia’s military campaign in Syria, but officials say the plane did not come under fire.

Deaths in Syria are mounting as weeks of combat continue between rebel groups and the Syrian government, which is backed by Russian air power.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here