update desk

IDF downs Syrian jet with Patriot missiles

The jet had infiltrated about one mile into Israeli airspace; it fell in Syria.

A smoke trail of a Patriot missile intercepted a drone approaching Israel from Syria in the northern Israeli city of Tzfat on July 11, 2018. Photo by David Cohen/Flash90.
A smoke trail of a Patriot missile intercepted a drone approaching Israel from Syria in the northern Israeli city of Tzfat on July 11, 2018. Photo by David Cohen/Flash90.

The Israel Defense Forces launched two Patriot missiles on Tuesday afternoon, downing a Syrian Air Force Sukhoi Su-22/24 Russian-made fighter jet that had infiltrated about one mile into Israeli airspace.

According to the IDF spokesman, the jet fell in Syria. The pilot or pilot’s whereabouts remain unknown.

The event at around 1:45 p.m. triggered the “Code Red” warning sirens throughout northern Israel, including in the Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley.

The IDF statement on the incident says, “The Syrian Air Force Sukhoi Su-22/24 departed from the T-4 Airbase in Syria and then flew towards Israel at a high speed. This happened after hours of increased internal fighting in Syria and increased Syrian Air Force activity.”

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, head of the International and Social Media Branch of the IDF, added that “we issued warnings and messages through different channels, in various languages, numerous times over the day to avoid any misunderstandings or any violations of Israeli airspace. We have continued to deliver messages through various channels, including through the U.N., UNDOF, and we will not tolerate any violation of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement. We hold the Syrian Regime accountable for any such violations coming from the Syrian side.”

In two separate incidents earlier this month, the IDF was forced to launch Patriot missiles in order to shoot down Syrian UAVs that entered or neared Israeli airspace.

You have read 3 articles this month.
Register to receive full access to JNS.

Just before you scroll on...

Israel is at war. JNS is combating the stream of misinformation on Israel with real, honest and factual reporting. In order to deliver this in-depth, unbiased coverage of Israel and the Jewish world, we rely on readers like you. The support you provide allows our journalists to deliver the truth, free from bias and hidden agendas. Can we count on your support? Every contribution, big or small, helps JNS.org remain a trusted source of news you can rely on.

Become a part of our mission by donating today
Topics
Comments
Thank you. You are a loyal JNS Reader.
You have read more than 10 articles this month.
Please register for full access to continue reading and post comments.