Egypt on Wednesday extended its sincere condolences to Russia after a Russian military transport plane crashed in Syria, killing 39 Russian military personnel on Tuesday.

In an official statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences to the "government and people of Russia" over the crash of the An-26 plane, which occured as it was landing at Hmeimim airbase, near the coastal city of Latakia in Syria.

The foreign ministry statement asserted Egypt's support for its Russian counterparts over the ordeal.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated the plane was not fired upon, adding that a technical malfunction might be to blame for the crash.

An investigation is currently underway.