Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic announced that, for the first time since its deployment in Serbia, Russia’s EMERCOM Il-76 aircraft also engaged in firefighting operations in the Stolovi area, in addition to the Deliblato Sands.

Dacic stated that, according to data provided by the Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center, the aircraft carried out four sorties — three over the Deliblato Sands and one over the Stolovi area.

“A total of 168 tonnes of water was dropped on the fire areas: 126 tonnes in the Deliblato Sands and 42 tonnes in the Stolovi area. Since the beginning of its deployment, as of 23 August, the Il-76 has carried out 19 sorties and dropped a total of 798 tonnes of water on the fire areas,” Dacic said.

The Minister emphasized that aerial support remains an important part of the joint efforts of all forces deployed on the ground and in the air, providing assistance where it is needed most.

Source: Official Instagram account of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia.