A Russian fighter jet crashed into the Mediterranean after failing to properly land on its aircraft carrier, according to U.S. officials.
The Russian MiG-29 fighter took off from the Admiral Kuznetsov carrier Sunday, reported Lucas Tomlinson of Fox News. It experienced reportedly experienced mechanical problems shortly after, forcing the pilot to turn around and attempt an emergency landing on the ship. Unable to land the aircraft, the pilot was forced to bail into the Mediterranean Sea where he was subsequently rescued by a helicopter.
The report comes just days after the Kuznetsov battle group laid anchor off the coast of Syria Saturday in preparation for what is believed to be a major assault on Syrian rebel positions, including the besieged city of Aleppo.
It’s not the first time mechanical problems have surrounded the Kuznetsov. Russia’s only aircraft carrier is known for breaking down and made headlines as it spewed smoke across the English Channel on its way to Syria in October. The Kuznetsov battle group will reportedly participate in an upcoming final onslaught in Syria on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad, a close Russian ally.
Residents in Aleppo received an ominous text message Sunday, warning they have 24 hours to leave before a “strategically planned assault using high precision weapons.”
The message also warned rebels to lay down their arms and renounce their leaders or risk death. It is believed that the message was sent out by the Syria government, given the logistics necessary to send so many texts.
Russia intervened in Syria in Oct., 2015, claiming it was fighting terrorists on behalf of Assad. An analysis of Russian air strikes in early October showed that nearly all strikes targeted known civilian population centers.
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