Russian news agencies citing unidentified officials reported that Chechen rebels shot down the helicopter, which was carrying out an operation near the town of Shatoi in southern Chechnya.
According to the reports, the dead included three crew members and 14 soldiers.
(Interfax, ITAR-TASS, Reuters, AP)
Forgotten Chechnya
THE CRYING SUN: RFE/RL and the American Committee for Peace in the Caucasus recently hosted a screening of the film "The Crying Sun: The Impact Of War In The Mountains Of Chechnya." The filmmaker and activists discussed the making of the film and their work in Chechnya at the briefing.
LISTEN
Listen to the entire briefing (about 70 minutes):Real Audio Windows Media
RELATED ARTICLES
Chechen President Chooses A Cabinet Of Close Friends
Rights Activist Discusses Difficulties Of Working In Chechnya
Russian Ministry Admits Chechen Resistance Still Poses 'Serious Threat'
Chechnya Cell-Phone Videos Reveal Abuses
RFE/RL's complete coverage of Russia's war-torn Republic of Chechnya.