DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Images circulating on social media platform X(formerly known as Twitter) and Telegram have exposed the condition of anIsraeli military Sikorsky CH-53 “Yasur” transport helicopter (a variant ofthe CH-53 Stallion) that was engulfed in flames in the southern part of thecountry after it was struck by Hamas’ Kornet by anti-tank missile system.
It is the first Israeli military helicopter confirmed to be destroyed inthis series of conflicts between Hamas and Israel.
According to local media reports in Israel, the heavy transport helicopterwas reportedly destroyed on October 7, the first day of the attack by Hamasfighters and other Palestinians on areas illegally occupied by Israel inthe southern part of the country.
The Israeli military issued a statement on October 7, confirming that threeof their helicopters had sustained damage from light weapons fire byPalestinian fighters and had to make emergency landings.
The statement did not provide further information about the specific typeof helicopter targeted by Palestinian light weapons fire or the locationsof their emergency landings.
[image: Helikopter]
Local Israeli media reports indicate that the CH-53 “Yasur” heavy transporthelicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in Kibbutz Beeri, asettlement area unlawfully taken from Palestinian residents in the south ofIsrael.
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The helicopter was believed to be transporting up to 50 Israeli specialforces personnel from its base to the southern part of the country torespond to the hundreds of Hamas and Palestinian fighters attacking in theregion.
According to local media reports, the transport helicopter had to make anemergency landing in Kibbutz Beeri after sustaining damage from lightweapons fire by Palestinian fighters.
Israel has two squadrons of CH-53 helicopters that have been in operationsince 1968.
Local media reports further state that shortly after the emergency landingin Kibbutz Beeri, the helicopter was struck by anti-tank guided missiles,specifically the “Kornet” owned by Palestinian fighters.