Russian helicopter forced to land in Syria over technical reasons - TASS

MOSCOW, Feb 28 (KUNA) -- A Russian Mi-35 helicopter made an emergency landing during a patrol mission in Syria due to technical reasons, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday, confirming its crew were unharmed.
"During a routine flight aimed at patrolling the territory of the Al-Hasakah Governorate (in Syria) the Mi-35 helicopter was forced to land due to technical reasons," TASS News Agency quoted a ministry statement as saying.
The Mi-35 helicopter's crew members were immediately taken to an airfield by a search and rescue service.
"Nothing is endangering the pilots' lives. According to the crew's report, there had been no fire effect on the helicopter," the ministry stated.
The helicopters flew five kilometers in front of civilian convoys in order to ward off any hostilities by militants along the strategic route. (end) as.lr