Turkey Downs Russian Warplane As US Warns Of ISIS, Boko Haram Attacks
Two Turkish officials told newsmen that the plane was shot down by the Turkish military according to the rules of engagement.
Reports said the plane crashed in Syrian territory in Latakia’s Yamadi village.
The Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jet, also known by its NATO codename Fencer, is an all-weather attack Russian-made supersonic jet operated by two pilots. It is armed with laser-guided missiles as well as three gun pods capable of firing 9,000 rounds per minute.
It is also armed with guided air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs, cluster bombs and incendiary bombs.
A Turkish military statement said the plane violated Turkish airspace in Hatay province and was warned “10 times in five minutes”.
“Our two F-16 planes on air patrol duty intervened … on November 24, 2015, 9:24am, according to the rules of engagement,” the statement said.
Rebel forces have told Al Jazeera that bodies of both pilots have been recovered. It is also reported that Russian helicopters were searching for the pilots close to the Turkish-Syrian border.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has alerted the global community of planned multiple attacks by Boko Haram, and other terrorists affiliate groups.
The State Department said that there were increased terror threats from al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and ISIS which has claimed responsibility for the Paris terrorist attacks.
The alert also observed that people unaffiliated with the groups may be inspired by recent terrorist attacks in France, Nigeria, Turkey and Mali.
The alert reads “Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August.”
“We continue to work closely with other nations on the threat from international terrorism, including from al-Qa’ida. Information is routinely shared between the US and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats,” it said.
The terror alert came as millions of Americans prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday and organisers of major events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade bolster their security preparations.
“US citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.
“Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events,” the alert warned.
But US defence official told the BBC that not only Americans that face the terror threat.
The alerts from State are usually focused on travel to specific countries for specific reasons, such as terrorism threats in Afghanistan, crime threats in Honduras, Ebola outbreaks in Sierra Leone or earthquake aftershocks in Nepal, but State Department warning was global, meaning American passengers were asked to be on alert for possible terrorist attacks wherever they are travelling.
The last time the State Department issued a similar worldwide alert was December last year.
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