Exclusive Report on Russian Journalists Wounded in Line of Work in Syria
Today Russia’s military aircraft transported Russian journalists wounded in Deir ez-Zor, Syria. Our colleagues from NTV and Zvezda channels were wounded in a landmine explosion in a residential area. Five Russian militaries also sustained wounds. All of them were evacuated to the airbase in Khmeimim and then to Russia. Grigoriy Vdovin reporting from Syria on how it all happened.
First seconds right after the explosion. Dust is still suspended in the air. In one of Deir ez-Zor neighborhoods, militaries have launched an operation to save journalists and servicemen who were were wounded in the explosion.
We've worked all day long in Deir ez-Zor. The whole town is still full of deadly surprises left by terrorists. This building used to be a pharmacy. Inside, there are two suicide vehicles fully equipped for the explosion. Surely, we were allowed to come closer only after they were defused by EOD specialists. That day, we were filming a news item about them in Deir ez-Zor.
This is some kind of viewpoint over the town. Deir ez-Zor is clearly visible from here. We can see the Euphrates in the distance. The town center with high-rise buildings is there. And here, you can see the line through which terrorists managed to bisect the enclave. In other words, the town and the airfield area, where I'm standing now, were divided. The hill is covered with cases. The fighters didn't manage to take control of it.
There was nothing unusual while filming. More than 70,000 explosive devices were located and defused in this area. About 15 minefields were lift. This is way too much for an area with so many buildings. People who do this job are real heroes.
Alexei Svyatov, EOD specialist: "This is my fourth deployment".
- In what cities did you work?
Alexei Svyatov, EOD specialist: "In Aleppo, twice in Palmyra and now in Deir ez-Zor".
We almost finished our work in EOD detachment. Everything was filmed. And at that moment terrorists remotely detonated a bomb. Both soldiers and journalists did their best to provide help. We all acted as one. The first aid was quickly provided to everyone. Then all the wounded were evacuated to the airbase in Khmeimim. Grigoriy Vdovin, Andrey Stiforov and Oleg Solovyov. Vesti.Deir ez-Zor, Syria.