Will happen any time soon, Russia NATO WAR, Turk F-16 intercepted Sukhoi

[Sammyboy RSS Feed]

An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34441201

Syria conflict: Turkish jets 'intercept Russian plane'

5 October 2015
From the section Europe

Image copyright AP

Turkish F-16 fighter jets have been scrambled after a Russian warplane violated Turkey's air space on Saturday, the foreign ministry says.

The Russian fighter plane "exited Turkish airspace into Syria" after being intercepted, the ministry said.

The Turkish foreign minister has spoken to his Russian counterpart, as well as ministers from other Nato countries.

Russia has been carrying out air strikes in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Russian embassy in Ankara said a Russian plane did violate Turkish airspace, and Russia has "explained it" to Turkey, Russian news agency Interfax reports.

A Kremlin spokesman in Moscow did not confirm the incident however, saying:

"Our ambassador was called to the foreign ministry and given a note, which mentions certain facts, which will be checked."

The Russian air campaign began on Wednesday with Moscow insisting it was targeting Islamic State (IS) positions. But Syrian activists say Russian planes have also targeted other Syrian groups opposed to President Assad.

On Monday Russia said it had "continued performing pinpoint strikes" on IS targets in Syria, carrying out 25 sorties and hitting nine IS targets.

Among those targets was a communications centre in Homs, and a command centre in Latakia, it said.

Nato said its Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg would meet the Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu at the organisation's headquarters in Brussels later on Monday.
Russian air strikes - in depth

Where key countries stand - Who is backing whom

Why? What? How? - Five things you need to know about Russia's involvement

What can Russia's air force do? - The US-led coalition has failed to destroy IS. Can Russia do any better?

Inside an air strike - Activist describes "frightening Russian air strike"

Syria's civil war explained - Analysis and background on the conflict

Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the Russian intervention in Syria as a grave mistake that would further isolate Moscow.

Saturday's interception took place south of the Yayladagi/Hatay region, Turkey says.

The foreign ministry in Ankara summoned the Russian ambassador to issue a "strong protest" against the incident, it said.

The UK ambassador to Turkey described the incursion as "reckless and worrying" and said Nato allies stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Turkey.


Click here to view the whole thread at www.sammyboy.com.