Su-24 Incident Proves Turkish Support of Terrorism - Syrian Army

LATAKIA (Sputnik) — The downing of a Russian warplane by the Turkish air force in Syria is an unquestionable proof of Turkey's support of terrorist groups, a Syrian army spokesman said on Thursday.

"The attack on the Su-24 by the Turkish air force undoubtedly proves the Erdogan government's support of Islamic State and other terrorist groups, which threaten the global peace and security," Brigadier General Ali Mayhoub told reporters.

On Tuesday, a Russian Su-24 attack aircraft was downed by an air-to-air missile while carrying out precision strikes against terrorists in northern Syria. The missile was fired by a Turkish F-16 fighter in response to alleged violation of the Turkish airspace by the Russian jet.

One of the pilots of the downed Su-24 was killed by fire from the ground after ejecting, while the co-pilot was rescued and returned to the Russian airbase near Latakia.

The Su-24 incident also claimed the life of a Russian naval infantry soldier, who was killed in the rescue operation.

Russia has vowed "a serious response" to the Turkish attack and has so far cut all military ties with Ankara.