Russia: 15 people injured in emergency landing of helicopter

Russian authorities apprised that 15 people are injured after a helicopter carrying passengers made an emergency landing in Siberia on the morning of December 25. According to officials from the local branch of Russia's Emergency Ministry, the Mi-8 chopper was carrying 21 passengers and three crew members when they were suddenly trapped in a snowstorm soon after taking off in the village of Baykit. The authorities said that the helicopter toppled while it tried to land. Medical officials informed that medical aid has been provided to the injured and two people were still in the hospital. Police have started an investigation into the matter.

READ: 3 People Injured In Helicopter Emergency Landing In Russia

Helicopter base at civilian airport

Meanwhile, the Russian military has started setting up a helicopter base at a civilian airport in north-eastern Syria. The Russian Defense Ministry's channel broadcasted the clip of helicopter gunships arriving in Syria on November 14.

With more to follow, the new Russian base is protected by Pantsir surface-to-air missile systems and has deployed three helicopters. The system reportedly includes two Mi-35 gunships and one Mi-8 military transport helicopter. The footage on the channel also showed members of the Russian military protecting the new base along with armoured vehicles as well as ground support crews.

READ: France: Military Helicopters In Mali Crash Not Under Fire

First Russian base

Reportedly, this is also the first Russian base of helicopters in northeastern Syria and is also called a 'historic moment'. After the base becomes functional, the Russian aviation group will operate permanently from the city's civilian airport. This development by Russia comes after less than 30 days after the United States ordered the retraction of its troops from the northeastern Syrian border ahead of the Turkish military offensive in Syria.

President Donald Trump ordered an abrupt change in foreign policy which was also criticized by the senior US officials as a 'betrayal' of the Kurdish forces. Russia has initially used its military helicopters to patrol an area near Syria near the Turkish border in order to protect the military forces on the ground. 

READ: Russia Sets Up First Helicopter Base In North-eastern Syria: Reports

READ: Helicopter Crashes During Australia Bushfire Operation

(with inputs from agencies)