A group of Syrian rebels that received TOW missiles from the US destroyed a Russian rescue helicopter Tuesday, not long after Turkish fighters shot down a Russian Su-24, reported Reuters. Russian military leaders said one of two Mi-8 search and rescue helicopters was forced down by small arms fire and destroyed by mortars, and one marine was killed, according to a Russian release. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told reporters the fighters used a TOW missile to force the helicopter to land, then hit it again with a second missile, reported USA Today. The observatory said everyone on the helicopter was evacuated safely.
Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence
Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American.

