LOC17:21
14:21 GMT
ALGIERS, Feb 21 (KUNA) -- Algerian authorities have confirmed the killing of two crew members of a SU24 jet fighter aircraft which crashed in western Yiaret municipality late Wednesday.
"A SU-24 combat aircraft of the Air Base of Ain Oussara crashed Wednesday evening, in an uninhabited farm area, near the municipality of Rechaiga (Tiaret)," the ministry said in a statement.
The air crash claimed the lives of two crew members, who were the pilot and copilot, according to the ministry's statement.
Deputy Defense Minister and Army Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah ordered that investigations be opened in order to determine the exact circumstances and causes of the crash. (end)
mr.mt