Russian Su-24 jet has crashed on the Turkish-Syrian border, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
#SYRIA Russian aircraft Su-24 crashed in Syria. According to the preliminary data, the pilots managed to eject from the warplane
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) 24 ноября 2015
"Today, as most likely a result of a strike from the ground an Su-24 plane from the Russian aviation group in the Syrian Arab Republic crashed in the territory of Syria," the Defense Ministry stated.
According to the preliminary reports, the plane was gunned down from the ground.
#SYRIA During all flight time, aircraft was flying only within borders of Syrian territory. Objective monitoring data shows it
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) 24 ноября 2015
The Su-24 bomber jet was in Syrian airspace at the altitude 6,000 meters, the Russian Defense Ministry said. The pilots were reportedly able to parachute out of the jet before it crashed.
"The plane was located at an altitude of 6,000 meters [approximately 19,600 feet]. The fate of the pilots is being determined. According to the preliminary data, the pilots were able to eject. The circumstances of the plane's crash are under investigation. The Russian Ministry of Defense notes that during the flight the plane stayed strictly within Syrian airspace and the flight was logged," the statement read.
Two Turkish residents were injured by falling debris from the downed Russian bomber, Ulusal TV channel reports.
