2 Russian pilots killed in IS helicopter downing in SyriaJuly 11, 2016 - 10:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two Russian pilots have been killed after their military helicopter was shot down by fighters of so-called Islamic State, the Russian military is quoted as saying by local media, according to BBC News. The Syrian Mi-25 helicopter flown by Riafagat Khabibulin and Yevgeny Dolgin was brought down east of the ancient city of Palmyra on Friday. It was involved in an anti-IS operation at the Syrian government's request. IS later claimed responsibility for the attack, the Site monitoring group says. The helicopter pilots "had received a request from the Syrian military to carry out strikes against advancing militants", the Russian military said in a statement, according to local media. They "had used up all their ammunition and were on their way back when they came under the fire of terrorists and crashed in an area held by Syrian government troops". Both pilots have been nominated for Russian state awards. At least 12 Russian soldiers have been killed since Moscow launched its military operation in Syria in September 2015. In November, Turkish fighter planes shot down a Russian bomber on the Syrian-Turkish border, triggering a major crisis in bilateral relations. Russia is helping the Syrian government forces of President Bashar al-Assad against IS and other rebel groups, mainly supporting the Syrian army with air strikes. The West accuses Russia of also targeting Syria's moderate opposition and civilians - a claim denied by the Kremlin. Photo: AFP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |