Russian MoD Blames Israel for Attack Which Led to Downing of Il-20 by Syria

Israel’s Embassy in Moscow has refused to comment on Russian Military’s statement on Il-20 crash.

Earlier in the day, French military Colonel Patrik Steiger said that Paris denied “any involvement in the incident.”

The Russian Defense Ministry had said earlier that Russia’s Hmeimim Airbase had lost contact with the crew of the Russian Il-20 military aircraft with 14 servicemen on board late on Monday. The aircraft disappeared from radar screens as four Israeli F-16 jets were attacking Syrian targets in the province of Latakia.

In addition, Russian radar registered missile launches from the French frigate Auvergne, which was in the area.

• 12:18

  Kremlin Extremely Concerned About Events that Led to Il-20’s Destruction

  Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his sincerest condolences to the colleagues, families, and friends of the crew of the Il-20 that was brought down near Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted.

  He also stressed that even if Kremlin is extremely concerned about the events that led to the plane’s destruction, the incident with the aircraft will not affect implementation of the Russia-Turkey memorandum on Syria, adopted by the countries’ leaders on September 17.

• 12:04

  Israeli Side Is Fully Responsible For Il-20 Crash – Shoigu

  “The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly called on the Israeli side to refrain from attacks on Syrian territory, which threaten the security of Russian servicemen,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.

  Israel is fully responsible for the crash of the Russian Il-20 military aircraft off the coast of Syria and the death of its crew, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu stated.

  According to the ministry, Shoigu held talks with his Israeli counterpart earlier in the day.

• 11:48

  Eight Russian Vessels Involved in Search Operation

  “Eight ships, including Russian Naval cutters and supply vessels, are participating in the operation to located the crew of the Russian Il-20 aircraft which crashed off the coast of Latakia,” the ministry said.

  The bodies of the crew of the downed Il-20 and their personal belongings, as well as the wreckage of the aircraft, have been located and pulled up on board the Russian ships off the coast of Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry stated.

• 11:45

  Il-20 Crash Site in Latakia Province Located

  “At the moment, the location of the plane’s crash is found 27 kilometers to the west of the village of Banias [Latakia province],” the ministry said.

• 11:22

  Syria’s Army Has No Comments

  Syria’s army has not yet commented on the destruction of the Russian Il-20 over the Mediterranean near Latakia province.

  “There are no comments on this issue,” the press service of the Syrian political administration has stated.

• 11:18

  Russian Defense Ministry Views Provocative Israeli Actions in Syria as Hostile

  “We see these provocative actions of Israel as hostile,” Konashenkov said, adding that 15 Russian servicemen were killed as a result of the “irresponsible actions” of Israel’s Defense Forces, which violated “the spirit of the Israeli-Russian partnership.”

  According to the spokesman, the Russian Defense Ministry reserves the right to an “adequate response” following the Israeli attack.

• 11:18

  Israeli Embassy Refuses to Comment on Accusations Over Russia’s Il-20 Plane Crash in Syria

  “No comments,” the diplomatic mission’s spokesperson told Sputnik.

• 11:11

  Search-and-Rescue Operation Is Underway – Russian MoD

  Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov noted that the search-and-rescue operation near the Russian aircraft’s crash site off the coast of Syria continues.

• 11:08

  Russian Defense Ministry Accuses Israeli Military of Il-20 Plane Crash in Syria

  “Using the Russian plane as a shield, the Israeli pilots put it in the fire of Syrian air defense systems … Il-20 … was hit by the S-200 system’s missile,” Konashenkov stated.