MOSCOW, April 27 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian utility helicopter carrying troops was downed in southern Chechnya 11.34 a.m. Moscow time (7.34 GMT) during a special operation, killing 18, a source in the Russian military said Friday.
Three helicopters with troops were sent to reinforce a federal task force fighting gunmen near the village of Shatoi, 30 miles to the south of Grozny, the source said over the telephone.
One Mi-8 Hip utility helicopter was downed by assault rifle fire on approaching the target area, he said, killing everyone on board.
The victims are believed to have served with Battalion South of the Combined Federal Force stationed in Chechnya. Most of its personnel are local citizens.
