Turkey releases air control warning to Russian jet

ANKARA

Turkey on Wednesday released a recording of warnings given to the Russian warplane later shot down on the Turkey-Syria border.

In the recording, the Turkish Air Force command center in Diyarbakir warns the approaching flight to change course to the south.

Addressing “unknown air traffic” in English, the message said: “This is Turkish Air Force speaking on guard. You are approaching Turkish airspace change your heading south immediately.”

A total of 10 warnings were issued over five minutes before the Russian SU-24 bomber was shot down by patrolling Turkish F-16s.

The recording was issued by the Turkish General Staff following Tuesday’s incident over Yayladagi in Hatay province, which borders northwest Syria.

The F-16 fighters intercepted the Russian plane after it crossed into Turkish airspace and, under Turkey’s rules of engagement, opened fire.

NATO has confirmed the accuracy of information shared by Turkey about the violation.

In early October, Russian warplanes twice breached Turkish airspace. Russian officials apologized following the incursions and pledged they would not be repeated. At the time, Turkey repeated its warning on its engagement rules, including military responses.