A Russian air force jet was shot down after it violated Turkey’s airspace, according to unconfirmed reports. Witnesses say they saw a large explosion in Huraytan, northern Syria, as three fighter jets flew above.
A journalist based in Turkey tweeted that three Turkish planes responded to “mysterious” lock-ons from MIG-29 jets, which are used by Putin’s forces, according to the U.K. Express.
Turkey’s reported action comes after a Russian MIG-29 was escorted back to Syrian airspace by Turkish jets last week. Turkey’s Prime Minister and President have repeatedly warned Russia to avoid Turkish airspace in its campaign in Syria.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday there will be “no concessions if Russian fighter jets violate Turkey’s airspace.”
Turkish officials have warned that Russia will be held “responsible for any undesired incident” that might occur. Turkey and Russia have yet to respond on the reported downing.
Russia’s bombing campaign in Syria has increased tensions in an already strained relationship with the West. The U.S. has accused Russia of bombing moderate Syrian rebels and propping up the murderous regime of Syrian President Bashar al Assad. Putin’s intervention in the Ukraine in February 2014 caused the U.S. and the E.U. to respond with economic sanctions against Russia.
