“The origin of the drone is unknown, but Russian jets have reportedly encroached on Turkish airspace twice in recent weeks”, reads a report from CNN. Turkey’s geographical proximity to Syria has put it firmly in the crosshairs, so as to speak, and Friday’s incident proves that the multilayered conflict is only growing more intricate and intractable with time.
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The Turkish military said the aircraft had been warned three times but had maintained course.
The drone fell on Turkish soil three kilometers from the border and was seized by military officers.
Local media said the drone was shot down around 3 kilometres inside Turkish airspace. A few of the wreckage was examined, and photos of the downed drone were circulated by Turkish media outlets.
Media reports quote officials as saying the aircraft was a drone, but gave no further details.
On Tuesday, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation rejected Moscow’s explanation regarding its violation of Turkey’s airspace.
“All the Russian planes in Syria have returned to the Hmeimim air base after completing their tasks”, defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told Russian news agencies.
Despite the increased Russian military backing for Assad, and with a lack of real USA military aid for Syrian rebels, Saudi Arabia – along with Qatar and Turkey – will “remain committed to their support for the Syrian revolution”, Khashoggi told Al Ghad Al Arabi satellite TV station. The incidents occurred after Ankara changed its rules of engagement following the downing of a Turkish fighter jet by Syria. Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter earlier this month called on Russian Federation to act in a “safe and professional manner” and respect Turkish sovereignty. Russian Federation has blamed the incidents on planes being briefly sent off course by bad weather, but Turkey, a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, suspects they are deliberate.
The Russian air force officially informed the Turkish military on Thursday about the violations and about steps it would take to prevent a repetition.
Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu said Ankara had still not identified the drone.
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Russian airstrikes have added new zeal to the beleaguered Syrian government’s campaign.
