(Updates)
Hatay, Nov 24 () – Turkey has shot down a Russian SU-24 jet by F-16 aircrafts near the Syria-Turkey border, over Lattakia's Yamadi village, said presidential sources.
Turkish jets downed the fighter jet due to “border breach”, after the jet failed to heed the warnings within the rules of engagement, military sources said.
However, Russian Defense Ministry said the downed jet did not violate Turkish airspace”, adding that all their aircrafts were over the Syrian territory and the fate of the pilots was unclear.
Russian Defense Ministry added, according to initial reports, the reason of shot down was an “overland fire”.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu spoke with Chief of Staff Hulusi Akar and Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu over the incident, announced the Prime Minister's Office.
The PM’s Office added, Turkey was set to consult with NATO and the UN over the recent developments at the Syria border.
Akar also informed Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the incident, private broadcaster NTV reported.
Witnesses added the aircraft has crashed over the tents built in the village and pilots have landed with aid of parachutes. Doğan News Agency reporters said smoke has been rising from the region.
