Russian attack helicopter crashes in Syria

Source: TASS

A Russian Mi-28N attack helicopter has crashed in Syria killing both crew members aboard, reports the Defence Ministry's press service.

The Defence ministry emphasized the helicopter was not shot down, but refused to give any further details on the reasons for the crash.

The bodies of the two air servicemen have been evacuated to Russia's main Syrian Khmeimim airbase.

A team of experts have been sent to the crash site to determine the causes of the crash, reports the Defence Ministry.

The crash comes amid heightened military activity in Syria. On April 10, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi said Russian and pro-government forces had begun preparations to retake the key Syrian city of Aleppo.