Turkey Downs Russian Jet Near Syria Border

An aircraft in service with Russia's air forces has been shot down by Turkey in the air near the border with Syria, local media report citing military sources.

Turkey's Presidency has confirmed the plane was Russian, after initial suggestions it might have been in service with the Syrian air forces.

The incident occurred north of the Syrian port of Latakia. Reportedly, Turkish authorities had issued ten warnings in less than 5 minutes against possible violations of the country's airspace.

The fate of the two pilots is not clear, with unverified footage showing one of them has been killed. Earlier reports suggested they were captured by Syrian Turkmen.

Hürriyet Daily News quoted PM Ahmet Davutoglu's office as saying Ankara is to consult with NATO and the United Nations on the latest developments.

According to information available so far the Su-24 was gunned down from the ground while flying at an altitude of 6000 meters.

The plane caught fire in the air and fell into #Syria's territory https://t.co/hSWyGV3ZOh pic.twitter.com/LbTdtNtaLE

? Sputnik (@SputnikInt) November 24, 2015

It was difficult to immediately confirm whether the downed Su-24 was part of Syria's or Russia's air forces.

Ankara suggests the aircraft had entered into Turkey's airspace.

But Russia's Defense Ministry, quoted by Sputniknews, says it had not breached the airspace of Turkey.

#SYRIA During all flight time, aircraft was flying only within borders of Syrian territory. Objective monitoring data shows it

? ?????????? ?????? (@mod_russia) November 24, 2015

Turkish armed forces' chief of staff is to make a statement on the development.

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