Thirty-two people died when a Russian transport plane crashed in Syria on Tuesday, Russian news agencies reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
The An-26 plane reportedly crashed at Russia's Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province. There were 26 passengers and six crew members on board, according to reports.
"The reason for the crash according to preliminary information could have been a technical fault," the ministry said, adding that the plane had not come under fire.
The plane crashed just 500 meters (1,600 feet) from the runway at the airbase that Russia leases from Syria near the Mediterranean coast.
Source: Agencies