A Russian Su-24 fighter jet has crashed at Hmeimim base while attempting take-off. The crew on board did not eject and were killed. Reports have said that technical failure is suspected.
The plane was on its way to Syria, where airstrikes have been ongoing since 2015 in retaliation against President Bashar Assad. Defense industry spokespersons say Russia has conducted as many as 150 airstrikes against Islamic jihadists in Syria.
So far, Russia has lost 37 service men in the fight, including a Russian general who was killed in Deir Ezzor, ground zero for the military offensive. Russia also lost two fighter jets last year, a Mig-29 and an an Su-33. Both were deployed from a carrier off the Syrian coast.
#BREAKING #Hameem Airport
Crash of a #Russia‘n warplane Su-24 in village of Al-Sharashir east of Jabla pic.twitter.com/VAUplyyRq0— Berfo كردي #Efrîn (@AraratKrd) October 10, 2017
