Erdogan, Obama discuss downing of Russian jet

ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama late Tuesday after Turkish Air Forces shot down a Russian warplane earlier in the day, Turkish officials said.

A Russian fighter-bomber was shot down earlier Tuesday by Turkish F-16s after being repeatedly warned about violating Turkish airspace, said the Turkish military.

Obama said the U.S. and NATO supported Turkey's right to protect its national sovereignty, Turkish presidential sources said.

The two leaders also agreed on the importance of making the necessary arrangements to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.

According to the Turkish military, the plane was shot down near Syria's Bayirbucak area in line with standard rules of engagement.

Media footage showed two parachutes floating to the ground before the aircraft crashed in a plume of smoke in northwest Syria, very close to Turkish border.

ISTANBUL

A Russian fighter-bomber was shot down earlier Tuesday by Turkish F-16s after being repeatedly warned about violating Turkish airspace, said the Turkish military.

Obama said the U.S. and NATO supported Turkey's right to protect its national sovereignty, Turkish presidential sources said.

The two leaders also agreed on the importance of making the necessary arrangements to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.

According to the Turkish military, the plane was shot down near Syria's Bayirbucak area in line with standard rules of engagement.

Media footage showed two parachutes floating to the ground before the aircraft crashed in a plume of smoke in northwest Syria, very close to Turkish border.