Russia expands area of helicopter patrol in Northern Syria
The Russian Air Force expanded the territory of the helicopter patrol in northeastern Syria, reports RIA Novosti.
Mi-8 and Mi-35 helicopters of Russian Aerospace Forces started to conduct air patrol over the settlements in the Al-Hasakah Governorate, thereby significantly expanding their air patrol area. According to the Russian military, such measures will allow controlling a vast territory, as well as to use new routes for the Russian military police patrols.
“We carry out air patrol missions in Northern Syria, as well as escort humanitarian aid and military police patrol convoys,” said the navigator of one of the Russian Mi-8AMTSh helicopters, as cited by RIA Novosti.
Russian helicopter pilots began combat patrols in Northern Syria last week. Flights take place at low altitude, not exceeding 50-60 meters, as required by precautions measures. Patrols are carried out daily by two helicopters.