Two Russian pilots killed in military chopper crash in Syria

Hama (Syria) Jan 3 (IANS/AKI) A Russian military helicopter crashed near Hama in northwest Syria last week killing both of its pilots the Russia s Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday.

A technician aboard the doomed Mi-24 chopper survived Sunday s crash which was caused by mechanical problems the ministry said.

"The two pilots died during an emergency landing 15 kilometres from their air base " the ministry stated.

The helicopter was escorting a convoy at the time of the crash and clipped power cables before it came down the Conflict Intelligence Team non-government organisation reported.

CIT said it did not know if the convoy being escorted by the chopper was transporting humanitarian aid or military equipment.

--IANS/AKI
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