Moscow: Russian aircraft was downed by Syria

Russian Defense Ministry announced that the II-20 aircraft that had been missing since Monday night was downed by Syria’s S-200 air defense system due to “irresponsible” and “provocative” actions by Israel.

Russian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said the Isreali pilots attacking Syria hid behind the Russian II-20 aircraft and the Russian aircraft found itself targeted by Syria’s S-200 air defense system.

The Russian spokesperson said Israel’s actions were “provocative” and added: “We consider these provocative actions by Israel to hostile. The irresponsible actions of the Israeli army cost 15 Russian soldiers their lives. This is in absolute violation of the spirit of the Russian-Israel partnership.”

According to Konashenkov, 4 Israeli F-16 fighter jets flew low over the Mediterranean and carried out an attack against Syrian targets near Lazkiye on September 17 at 22:00

The Defense Ministry Spokesperson said the Israeli jets “deliberately created a dangerous situation” for ships on the surface and aircrafts in the area.

The Defense Ministry stated that the attack occurred near the French Auvergne frigate and around the Russian II-20 aircraft preparing to land.

Israel called Russia on the red line to notify them of the operation just one minute beforehand, and the II-20 aircraft could not be moved to a safe area in the short amount of time.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that they reserve the right to respond properly following Israel’s “hostile actions” in Syria.