DHAKA: Syrian opposition fighters have reportedly shot down a Syrian helicopter, which fell 400 meters away from the Turkish border.

Reports indicate that opposition fighters also shot dead two pilots after they ejected themselves after their chopper was hit.

After a Turkish jet was downed, possibly by Syrian air defence units, near Syrian air space over the Mediterranean in June last year, Turkey warned Syria that it would hit Syrian air force elements that got too near the Turkish border.

In November last year, Turkish fighter jets scrambled as a Syrian warplane bombed the town of Ras al-Ain near the Turkish border as part of an air assault to dislodge opposition fighters, reports Today’s Zaman.

Turkey defence minister İsmet Yılmaz said at the time that Turkey would use military force in response to any incursion by Syrian aircraft.

‘The necessary response will be given to Syrian planes and helicopters that violate our border,’ Yılmaz said.

BDST: 2022 HRS, SEPT 16, 2013
RoR/SRS