On Tue, 11 Aug 2015 20:31:11 -0500, "Byker" <byker@do~rag.net> wrote:
>With over 140 troops packed aboard, and Igla MANPAD hit one of the engines
>as the Mi-26 was approaching Khankala, and the helicopter crash-landed in a
>minefield that made up part of the federal military headquarters' perimeter
>defenses. Some of the survivors, attempting to abandon the wrecked Mi-26,
>are reported to have been killed by 'friendly' anti-personnel mine
>explosions." The interior of the helicopter flooded with fuel and its jammed
>doors could not be opened. Only the crew of five and 29 passengers managed
>to escape through the small cockpit exit hatch. At least four of surviving
>soldiers died over the next days from severe burns. The loss of 127 lives in
>the greatest loss of life in the history of helicopter aviation
>
>The footage was obtained by Associated Press from a Turkish news agency
>along with a statement by separatist Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov
>announcing: "Here is a helicopter that is on fire and falling near Khankala.
>It was hit by our Igla anti-aircraft missile."
"God is great! I just murdered 120 civilians in his name!"
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