on 6 February Venezuelan media claimed that Mi-35 combat helicopter of the National Army of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has crashed near El Pao.
Five soldiers were injured amid a training exercise aimed at “repelling possible aggression from the United States”
Media release un-official list of victims injured in Mi-35 crash :
- Reynaldo Niño Lozano, 35 years old (pilot)
- Javier Enrique Ocanto Chinchilla, 37 yeas old
- Juan Carlos Bohórquez Pérez, 32 years old
- Yondry José Romero, 38 years old
- Michael Ibrahim, 53 years old
Tensions in Venezuela escalated nearly two weeks ago when Venezuelan opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing last year’s re-election of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.
Guaido was almost immediately recognized by the United States and several other countries. Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey, and Uruguay were among those that have voiced their support for Maduro as the country’s legitimately elected president.
The soldiers reportedly received prompt medical attention, and their lives are not in danger. The servicemen were diagnosed with multiple head injuries, as well as injuries to the chest and abdomen, according to Venezuela al Dia.
The reasons for the crash have not been made public, no official statement has been provided by the government.
The incident took place days after US President Donald Trump confirmed in an interview with the CBS broadcaster that US military intervention in Venezuela was “an option”.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense denies that helicopter crash during military drills.
On Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro visited several military bases and met with members of the armed forces.
The Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter. Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter delivers a more superior flight performance and manoeuvrability than its predecessor.
