Illustrative image.
On September 19, two helicopters of the Libyan National Army (LNA) collided midair and crashed in the area of Masus to the south of Benghazi city in northeastern Libya.
Brigadier Milad Al-Zawi, a spokesman for the LNA Special Forces, said that the helicopters were carrying out a “military operation” when the accident took place.
“The helicopters crash claimed the lives of Brigadier General, Pilot Bouzid Labarasi, and Corporal Milad al-Asaibi, while the crew of the other helicopter survived,” the spokesman said, according to an unverified Facebook page that carries his name.
The exact types of the lost helicopters are yet to be revealed. The LNA operates several types of helicopters, mainly Soviet-made Mi-17s and Mi-24s.
In May, a Mig-21 fighter jet of the Libyan Air Force (LAF) crashed near Banghazi while taking part in a parade that was organized by the LNA to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Operation Dignity which saw the liberation of the city from a coalition of terrorist groups affiliated with ISIS. The pilot was killed in the accident.
Most of the aircraft operated by the LAF are old and in need of maintenance. Last year however, the capabilities of the air force saw a serious boost with the addition of a number of Mig-29s and Su-24s fighter jets, which were allegedly supplied by Russia.
Not enough airspace?
very-well..keep up the good work folks.