MOSCOW: A Russian fighter jet crashed after taking off from an airbase in Syria on Thursday, killing both pilots, Moscow's defence ministry said in a statement carried by news agencies.
"As it was climbing after taking off from the Hmeimim airbase, the Russian fighter Su-30SM crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. Two pilots, who fought until the last minute to save the plane, died, according to reports from the scene," the statement said.
The ministry said the plane had not come under fire, adding that "according to preliminary information, the reason for the crash could have been a bird falling into the engine".
The accident brings Russia's official military losses in Syria to 86.
The most recent acknowledged military loss came when a transport plane crashed on landing at the Hmeimim airbase in March, killing all 39 people on board.
But Russian nationals are regularly reported to be serving as paid mercenaries in Syria and taking on dangerous missions that often lead to casualties.
Russian fighter jet crashes off Syria, both pilots killed
Russian fighter jet crashes off Syria, both pilots killed
- The ministry said the plane had not come under fire
- The accident brings Russia's official military losses in Syria to 86
Jordanian border forces intercept drug-laden drone in southern region
- Border guards in the Southern Military Zone foiled the smuggling attempt
- Jordan is known as a transit point for smuggling drugs from Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq
LONDON: Jordanian border forces thwarted an attempt to smuggle drugs into the country via drone along the southern region and close to the western border on Sunday.
Border guards in the Southern Military Zone, overseeing the areas of Aqaba, Ma’an, Tafilah, and Al-Karak, monitored the drug-laden drone, intercepting and downing it within Jordanian territory.
The seized narcotic substances were submitted to the appropriate authorities for legal action, according to the Petra news agency.
Jordan is known as a transit point for smuggling drugs that are typically bound for the Gulf countries from Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Smugglers are increasingly employing drones and balloons, which are guided by basic devices, to transport narcotics into Jordan from neighboring countries.
