Watch Video(Image source: Department of Defense)*BY ERIK SHUTE*
Tensions escalated on the Turkish border, Monday. Military officials confirm Turkish forces shot down a Syrian helicopter after it reportedly violated its airspace. But despite the use of force, Turkey’s military said with confidence Tuesday, there will be no “retaliation” from Syria.
Here’s video footage of the wreckage from Turkish news station IHA. The helicopter crashed in Syrian territory. The latest claims out of Damascus describe the attack as intentional and used to heighten tensions between the countries. Syria’s army published a statement claiming its helicopter was on a mission to monitor incoming terrorists crossing the Turkish border. (Via IHA)
Turkey’s Foreign Minister explained the Syrian crew received multiple warnings to back away before Turkish forces started firing.
The Syrian MI-17 helicopter was detected about one mile after it had crossed the border. RT reports Turkey’s warnings lasted for five minutes before firing. Still, Syria calls Turkey’s actions too “hasty.” (Via RT)
In a press conference, the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister said historical tensions with Syria called for quick action.
*“Our reconnaissance aircraft are out patrolling the borders 24 hours a day. As you know after one of our planes was shot down in June 2012 and because of the constant harassment of fire from the Syrian side, our rules of engagement have now changed.” *(Via euronews)
He adds, "No one will have the courage to violate Turkish airspace again.”
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, former U.S. State Department Advisor Joshua Walker says Turkey’s actions could be a response to recent negotiations between Syria, Russia, and the US.
*“We’re starting to see Turkey flex its muscles in a way we’ve never seen in awhile. And in particular given that the US and Russia have reached this deal, some of the neighbors particularly Turkey aren’t happy with the way things are going and want to find a solution on their own.” *(Via The Wall Street Journal)
It’s important to keep in mind— this incident is the latest in a string of tensions alongs the Turkish-Syrian border. As Syria’s civil war rages on, more than 500,000 Syrians have taken refuge in Turkey.
Syria’s government claims those refugees include some rebel fighters— which it believes Turkey has trained to fight against President Bashar al-Assad’s military. (Via Al Arabiya)
The Syrian Human Rights Group said it believes one of the two pilots from Monday’s crash was captured by Syrian rebel forces, the fate of the other pilot is still unknown.
Reported by Newsy 2 days ago.
