Turkey F16s force down Syrian Airbus
2012-10-10 22:47
Ankara - Turkey seized on Wednesday suspicious cargo aboard a Syrian passenger plane after intercepting the aircraft en route from Moscow to Damascus, NTV news channel reported.
AP reports that state-run TRT television said an Airbus A320 coming from Moscow was intercepted by F16 jets as it entered Turkish airspace and escorted to the capital's Esenboga Airport.
The cargo is believed to be missile parts, said NTV.
The plane is awaiting Ankara's approval to take off again with its 35 passengers.
The A-320 plane was travelling from Moscow to Damascus when it was intercepted by Turkish authorities at around 14:30 GMT, according to NTV news channel.
The search for weapons and ammunition is ongoing.
Ankara has warned Turkish airline companies against using Syrian airspace to avoid a possible retaliation from Damascus, NTV added.
