Russia blames bad weather for violation of Turkey airspace
Updated: 2015-10-06 08:14
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
A frame grab taken from footage released by Russia's Defence Ministry October 5, 2015, shows a Russian air force jet taxiing on the tarmac of Heymim air base in Syria. [Photo/Agencies] |
MOSCOW - Russian Defense Ministry on Monday blamed bad weather conditions for the brief violation of Turkish airspace by a Russian aircraft near Syrian border.
"The incident was a consequence of unfavorable weather conditions in the area. One should not look for any conspiracy theories here," the ministry said in an online press release.
"On Oct. 3, after completing a planned combat flight, while maneuvering over a mountainous and wooded area before returning to Syria's Hmaimim airbase, the Russian Su-30 military aircraft crossed briefly, for a few seconds, into Turkish airspace," the ministry said.
The aircraft sometimes had to head to the airbase from the north side in certain climate conditions, which might cause a mistaken cross into Turkish airspace as the airbase is located about 30 kilometers from the Syrian-Turkish border, it explained.
Turkey said Monday that a Russian warplane violated its airspace Saturday in the southern Yayladagi town of Hatay province near the Syrian border.
The Russian ambassador in Turkey was summoned by the Turkish Foreign Ministry earlier Monday. In the meantime, Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu conveyed the protest during the phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday said a meeting of the North Atlantic Council would be convened later to discuss the security situation in Turkey.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, necessary measures were taken to prevent similar cases from happening in the future. The ministry noted that explanations were sent via military attache at the Turkish Embassy in Moscow Sunday.
It also clarified that Russian air forces in Syria have nothing to do with the unidentified MIG-29 aircraft, which according to Turkey harassed two Turkish F-16 jets patrolling the border with Syria Sunday.
Related Stories
Russian airstrikes in Syria destroy 9 IS posts: Defense Ministry 2015-10-05 21:53
Russian warplanes hit IS targets in Syria 2015-10-02 19:42
Russian forces begin airstrikes in Syria 2015-10-01 07:24
Today's Top News
Merkel, Hollande appeal to MEPs for EU unity
China adopts IMF statistical benchmark, improves transparency
FIFA chief faces 90-day suspension
Fujian governor investigated
China's population to peak in 2025
Beijing says it welcomes TPP deal
Holidayers face hurdles in the homestretch
Snowden: I'd go to prison to return to US
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
British minister's remarks have Britons, Chinese puzzled |
Stepping up |
Rural families still hope for male heirs |
Blue skies over Beijing ... for now |
V-Day parade for 70th WWII anniversary |
Tianjin blasts: Death, damage and bravery |