Russian soldier killed in search for pilots of downed plane

A Russian soldier was killed Tuesday during a failed operation to rescue two pilots whose jet was shot down by Turkey on the Syrian border, Moscow announced.

"A search and rescue operation to evacuate the Russian pilots from the crash site was launched with the help of two Mi-8 helicopters," military spokesman General Sergei Rudskoi said in televised comments.

"During the operation, one of the helicopters was damaged by gunfire and had to land. A soldier was killed."

One of two pilots aboard a Russian war plane shot down by Turkey on Tuesday was killed by fire from the ground after he parachuted from the craft, the Russian military said, citing what it said was preliminary information.

"The plane fell in Syrian territory, four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the border. The crew ejected. According to preliminary information, one of the pilot died after being fired upon from the ground," military spokesman General Sergei Rudskoi said in televised remarks.
Source: AFP