Turkey downs Syria military jet ‘in airspace violation’

Turkish forces have shot down a Syrian military jet they say was violating their airspace despite warnings.

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned such action by Syria merited a "heavy response".

But Syria accused Turkey of "blatant aggression", saying the plane had been over Syrian territory at the time.

The incident reportedly occurred in an area where Syrian rebels and government forces have been fighting for control of a border crossing.

Turkey and Syria - once allies - share more than 500 miles (800km) of border.

• Primary Source

Deutsche Welle, 23.03.14: Turkey shoots down Syria warplane http://dw.de/p/1BUZf

The Guardian, 23.03.14: Turkey shoots down Syrian warplane http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/23/turkey-shoots-down-syrian-plane

The New York Times, 23.03.14: Turkey Downs Warplane From Syria After Warning http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/world/europe/syria.html

Euronews, 24.03.14: Turkish premier’s hard line over Syria jet plays well to party supporters http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/24/turkish-premier-s-hard-line-over-syria-jet-plays-well-to-party-supporters/

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