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Fight against Islamic state

Russia’s Night Hunter copters used in operation to free Palmyra — Defense Ministry

There has been no other evidence so far helicopters were employed to deal strikes against terrorists in Syria

© Alexandr Ryumin/TASS

MOSCOW, March 31. /TASS/. The Russian air group in Syria used attack helicopters Mi-28N Night Hunter against militants in Palmyra, as follows from a video clip posted on the Defense Ministry’s website.

'Russia's attack helicopters Mi-28N Night Hunter used against militants in Palmyra'

There has been no other evidence so far helicopters were employed to deal strikes against terrorists in Syria. Experts believe that Mi-28N were used only for maintaining security of the Hmeimim airdrome, which hosts the Russian aerospace group. The Defense Ministry has made no official statements Mi-28N helicopters had been moved to Syria.

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The video shows helicopters destroying terrorists’ armored vehicle in Palmyra with guided anti-tank missiles and then one of their strongholds inside a building. The subtitle reads: "Mi-28 helicopter destroys militants’ armor in the area of Palmyra" and "Mi-28 helicopter destroys militants in a building near Palmyra."

The Syrian army last Sunday declared it had gained control of Palmyra. Russian aircraft and special operations forces supported the operation. The Islamic State (terrorist organization outlawed in Russia) had seized it in May 2015.

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