Russian copter robbed of tools at Kabul airport

KABUL (Pajhwok): Soon after the Kabul airport’s fall, a Russian helicopter was robbed by unidentified individuals, The Moscow Times reports.

The aircraft’s operator UTair confirmed to the newspaper unknown individuals boarded the Mil Mi-8MTV transport helicopter on Aug. 17.

The daily quoted Natalya Melekhova, a spokesperson for UTair, as sying: “They opened a container with airborne rescue equipment, which contained tools and unopened food supplies.”

She added the inner lining was also damaged but the aircraft’s engineering staff fixed the issue. The chopper and UTair personnel were taken to a secure location on Aug. 22.

The helicopter’s oxygen masks, bulletproof vests, portable radio station, emergency axe and fire extinguishers were stolen, reported the Russian Telegram channel.

UTair has a fleet of 56 Mi-8MTVs which are capable of carrying up to four tonnes of cargo and passengers.

PAN Monitor/mud