Ankara, Nov25: Turkish warplanes on Tuesday shot down a Russian SU-24 fighter jet near the Syrian border after it violated Turkish airspace.
One of its two pilots was killed and the other was captured, media reports said.
According to Tukish authorities, two F-16 warplanes shot down the Russian jet after it failed to heed at least 10 warnings within the rules of engagement, state-run Hurriyet Daily News reported.
The Rusian defence ministry refuted the claim that the fighter violate the Turkish airspace.
The jet crashed into tents in Latakia’s Yamadi village near the Syrian border where Turkmens are currently staying, according to Turkmen sources. Its two pilots were seen landing with the aid of parachutes, witnesses said.
Video footage showed the plane crashing into mountains in Latakia province.
The Turkish General Staff released the radar trace analysis of the Russian jet. It shows the plane entered the Turkish airspace over the southern province of Hatay while circling over northern Syria.
However, the Russian defence ministry said the downed jet, which was at an altitude of 6,000 metres, did not violate Turkish airspace.
Turkey is a member of the NATO military alliance, which views an attack on one member as an attack on all.
A NATO official told CNN on Tuesday that the alliance was monitoring the events closely.
