Russian Su-24 Bomber Rolls-off Runway In Syria, Killing Crew

Russian Sukhoi Su-24 bomber rolled off the runway during take-off in Syria on Tuesday killing the crew, the Defense Ministry said.

The accident occurred at the Hmeymim air base, in Latakia Governorate, when the aircraft when building up speed before the take-off. The jet was on a combat mission.

"The plane’s crew failed to eject and died," the ministry said, adding that no damage on the ground was reported.

According to the ministry, technical malfunction could have been the cause of the accident.

The Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War began in September 2015 after an official request by the Syrian government for military help against rebel and jihadist groups.  

Russia’s Hmeimim base, built in 2015, can accommodate 50 military aircraft, as well as Mil Mi-24 gunships and Mil Mi-8 support helicopters.