The Kremlin is extremely concerned with the situation around the crash of the Russian Il-20 military aircraft in Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 18th September, 2018) The Kremlin is extremely concerned with the situation around the crash of the Russian Il-20 military aircraft in Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
The Russian Defense Ministry has said earlier that the Russian Hmeimim airbase had lost contact with the crew of the Russian Il-20 military aircraft late on Monday during the attack of four Israeli F-16 aircraft on Syrian targets in the province of Latakia. The ministry said on Tuesday that the Israeli military deliberately created a dangerous situation by using the Russian aircraft as a shield against Syrian air defense systems. As a result, the Il-20 jet was downed by a missile launched by Syria's S-200 air defense system.
"The Kremlin is extremely alarmed by this situation. The defense ministry has provided a comprehensive assessment of the incident," Peskov told reporters.
According to the spokesman, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his sincere condolences to families and friends, as well as colleagues of the Russian servicemen killed in the crash.
"The president extends heartfelt condolences to families, friends and colleagues of the crew of the downed aircraft," Peskov said.
