Russian helicopter is shot down in Syria, five killed

Five Russians who are in a military helicopter were killed when the helicopter was shot down by suspected rebels in northern Syria, said Russian authorities.

Mi-8 helicopter crashed in the province of Idlib on Monday (01/08). Defense Ministry official said three helicopter crews and two officers were on the Mi-8 helicopter.

The helicopter was returning after delivering humanitarian aid to the city of Aleppo, the Defense Ministry official said.

Not yet clear which group was shot down Russian helicopters.

Guild rebel groups, including militant jihad faction has a dominant power in the province of Idlib, in northwestern part of Syria.

Russia has never lost a plane, although this is rare, since they launched a mission to help the Syrian government in late September 2015.In July, two Russian pilots were killed when their helicopter was shot down in the eastern city of Palmyra by a group calling itself the Islamic State (ISIS).Also, last November, a fighter pilot Russian SU-24, was killed when his plane was shot down by Turkey on the Syrian border.A member of the Russian marines were sent in a rescue mission pilot was also killed when his helicopter was shot down.Russia is the main supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and support the pro-government troops with air strikes to attack the rebels.Russia and Syria announced the opening of the region they call a humanitarian corridor for civilians and insurgents who want to give up, but reported fewer people used the aid because they fear becoming targets of attacks. 

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