Support The Moscow Times!

Two Pilots Killed in Russian Warplane Crash Off Syrian Coast

Twitter / Liveuamap MiddleEast

A Russian military plane has reportedly crashed off the coast of Syria near a Russian air base, killing two pilots in what appears to be an accident.

Russia leases the Khmeimim air base in the coastal Latakia province, where it maintains fighter jets and bombers involved in a nearly three-year military campaign in support of the Syrian government.

The Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet crashed into the Mediterranean Sea after taking off from Khmeimim, Interfax reported Wednesday, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. One of the victims has been identified as Major Albert Davidyan.

The ministry said the crash was not caused by artillery fire.

“According to preliminary information, the cause of the crash could have been a bird hitting the engine,” Interfax quoted the ministry as saying.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more