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UN Helicopter Crashes In South Sudan, Killing Three Russian Crew


A United Nations cargo helicopter has crashed in South Sudan, killing three Russian crew members.

The UN mission in South Sudan said a fourth crew survived the crash, which took place on August 26 about 10 kilometers south of Bentiu, the capital of oil-producing Unity State.

The Russian Embassy in Sudan confirmed that all four were Russian citizens.

The Mi-8 helicopter had been chartered by the UN from Russia’s UTair airlines company to deliver freight cargo.

Citing initial information, UTair said the helicopter was shot down with surface-to-air fire.

The airline said the aircraft was shot down as it flew over an area that has been a flashpoint during a civil conflict that is now more than eight months old.

Based on reporting by Reuters and the BBC

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