The last actions of the "Russian Rambo" who died in Syria earlier this month after allegedly calling in an airstrike on himself to wipe out dozens of surrounding Islamic State militants have been receiving widespread honor and acclaim as further details emerge concerning his final moments.
A spokesman for the Russian military at its Hmeimim air base in Syria confirmed March 24 that Russian Special Forces officer Alexander Prokhorenko, 25, died during a reconnaissance mission in the Palmyra region in Syria, according to Sputnik International. Prokhorenko's mission reportedly involved providing intelligence for the Russian Air Force as it plotted to attack targets in the region. But when the terrorists discovered Prokhorenko's position and began to surround him, he made a crucial decision which would earn him the nickname of the "Russian Rambo" across the globe.
"They are close, I am surrounded, this may be the end, tell my family I love them dearly," a transcript allegedly issued by Prokhorenko to his base read after being translated, according to World in War. "I am surrounded, they are so many of these bast**ds ... They are outside, conduct the airstrike now please hurry, this is the end, tell my family I love them and i died fighting for my motherland."
Prokhorenko then proceeded to explain his reasoning quickly to the base.
"I don’t want them to take me and parade me, conduct the airstrike, they will make a mockery of me and this uniform," the "Russian Rambo" allegedly said. "I want to die with dignity and take all these bast**ds with me. Please my last wish, conduct the airstrike, they will kill me either way."
When the base asked Prokhorenko to confirm his request, he allegedly responded, "They out outside, this is the end commander, thank you, tell my family and my country I love them. Tell them I was brave and I fought until I could no longer. Please take care of my family, avenge my death, good bye commander, tell my family I love them."
Syrian government forces, alongside the Russian military, managed to capture three Palmyra neighborhoods from the Islamic State's control. The Russian military spokesperson confirmed Prokhorenko's death to the Mirror, stating, "The officer died as a hero, he drew fire onto himself after being located and surrounded by terrorists."
Prokhorenko is survived by his wife, Ekaterina, who is pregnant with their first child.
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