Investigators: Russian Military Shot Down Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17

Image: PHOTO: A plane flying during sunset. (photo via manop1984/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (manop1984 /iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: A plane flying during sunset. (photo via manop1984/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (manop1984 /iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:49 PM ET, Thu May 24, 2018

An international team of investigators has determined that Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down by a Buk missile fired by a Russia-based military unit.

According to NBCNews.com, Dutch National Police representative Wilbert Paulissen said Thursday the missile that took down the Malaysian flight was fired from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade, based in the Russian city of Kursk.

Paulissen told media outlets during a news conference that "all the vehicles in a convoy carrying the missile were part of the Russian armed forces." The conference was held to review the results of the investigation thus far.

Flight MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when it was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. All 298 passengers and crew members onboard were killed in the crash.

Russian officials have denied any involvement in the incident, but they could not be reached for comment by media outlets following Thursday's announcement.


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Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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