Russian Helicopter In Chechnya Goes Down, Killing 18

(RFE/RL) April 28, 2007 -- Russian officials say 18 soldiers and air crew members were killed in the crash of a Russian military helicopter in Chechnya -- the deadliest single death toll for the Russian military in Chechnya in two years.

Russian news agencies and officials have given conflicting accounts of what brought down the Mi-8 helicopter on April 27 as it was transporting troops to take part in an operation against separatist fighters in Chechnya's southern Shatoi region.

Some reports said the helicopter appeared to have been shot down by separatists, while others suggested the crash was the result of an accident or technical problem.

(compiled from agency reports)

Forgotten Chechnya

A Russian sapper searches a Grozny street for improvised explosive devices in June 2006 (TASS)

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.