Syria downs second Turkish plane

25 June 2012

Turkey has claimed that Syrian security forces shot down its second military jet just after few days downing its first fighter plane, 'F-4 Phantom' on Friday, 22 June 2012. It has been reported that second jet was on 'search and rescue operation' for the warplane being crashed down.

Turkey has not yet confirmed when did exactly Syria target its second plane but has vowed that 'Syria will not go unpunished.' In a televised news conference, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said, Turkey has no intention to wage a war on any one but it would take strict measures to protect itself within the framework of International Law.

Rejecting Syria's claim that 'F-4 Phantom' was shot down for violation of Syria's airspace, Bulent Arinc said: "There is no doubt that the Syrians intentionally shot down our plane in 'international airspace'. The facts in our possession show that our plane was hit by a heat-seeking laser-guided missile. To target an aircraft in this fashion without any warning is a hostile act of the highest order."

Turkey has called meeting of National Atlantic Council (a body of ambassadors from Nato's member states), under article 4 of its constitution which states to call allies if country fears its 'territorial integrity' is under threat.

US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has condemned Syria’s recent actions and extended diplomatic support to Turkey saying: “Turkey has been a leader in the international community’s effort to address the Syrian regime’s violence against its own people. We will continue our close cooperation with Turkey as part of our broader efforts to promote a democratic transition in Syria.” She added: “This work is urgent, and we will be consulting in New York with the Security Council, in Brussels with NATO and the EU, and in Geneva with special envoy Kofi Annan on next steps.”

Russia and China, meanwhile, have called for negotiations instead of any foreign intervention to end violence and bloodshed in Syria.

It is pertinent to mention that Turkey has been supporting several Syrian opposition groups and accommodating more than 30,000 Syrian refugees since March, 2011 as a result of political uprising in Syria. Moreover, defection from Syrian regime forces have been constant for the past few months.

Source: The CNN

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