According to a video footage, released by the Directorate 4 Telegram-channel, the pilot of the downed Russian Su-25 blew himself up in order to avoid captivity by militants.
Before taking this step, the pilot was shooting at the terrorists who surrounded him.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the downing of the Russian Su-25 attack aircraft on February 3, revealing preliminary information on the possible cause of the downing: the plane might have been shot down by a man-portable air-defense system (MANPAD).
READ MORE: Terrorists Shot Down Russian Su-25 in Idlib, Russia Airstrikes Attack Zone — MoD
Responding to the attack a few hours later, the Russian Air Forces conducted a high-precision group strike in the area controlled by Jabhat Fatah al-Sham militants in Idlib, from where a missile that downed Russian Su-25 aircraft was launched. According to the ministry, the strike killed at least 30 militants in the area.
The Tahrir al-Sham terrorist group, linked to former terrorist al-Qaeda branch in Syria, claimed responsibility for the attack.
READ MORE: Tahrir Al-Sham Claims Responsibility for Shooting Down Russian SU-25 — Reports
The next day, the Syrian special forces launched a military operation in the area with the support of the Russian air forces.
READ MORE: Syrian Forces Conduct Op in Idlib, Where Russian Su-25 Was Shot Down — Lawmaker