Russia’s Defense Ministry says “hostile” actions by Israeli fighter jet pilots led to Syrian air defense systems shooting down a Russian military reconnaissance plane.

Russian military spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Tuesday that Israeli forces were carrying out an attack in Syria’s Latakia province when they hid behind the Russian plane, using it to shield themselves from Syrian missiles.

Konashenkov said an S-200 missile brought down the Russian plane, killing 15 people.

Israel and Russia have for several years used a special hotline to notify each other of certain military actions in the region in order to prevent clashes. But Konashenkov said Israel gave Russia only one minute of notice of its operation, leaving the Russian plane no time to get out of the area.

He called Israel’s actions “irresponsible” and said Russia would have an “appropriate response.”

Israel’s military did not comment on the incident.

 

 

 
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