The Israeli army expressed “sorrow” on Tuesday for the deaths of crew members of a Russian military aircraft accidentally downed by Syria during an Israeli strike, but blamed the Syrian government and Iran.
“Israel expresses sorrow for the deaths of the aircrew members of the Russian plane that was downed tonight due to Syrian anti-aircraft fire,” a military statement said in Israel’s first reaction to the incident.
“Israel holds the Assad regime, whose military shot down the Russian plane, fully responsible for this incident. Israel also holds Iran and the Hezbollah accountable for this unfortunate incident.”
Syrian air defense system intercepted hostile missiles coming from the sea into Latakia city on Monday evening, local and international media reported.
Russia’s defense ministry said on Tuesday that one of its military aircraft with 15 people on board disappeared from radar screens over Syria at the same time that Israeli and French forces were mounting aerial attacks on targets in Syria.
“15 Russian military service people died because of Israel’s “irresponsible actions,” adding that it reserves the right to take appropriate measures after Israeli hostile actions.”
Russia’s defense minister warned his Israeli counterpart Tuesday that Moscow could respond to the downing of a Russian plane over Syria, as he laid full blame on Israeli air force.
Source: Al-Manar Website and AFP
