US Envoy For Syria Express Sorrow Over Tragic Loss Of Life In Downing Of Russia Plane

US Special Envoy for Syria James Jeffrey on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the loss of life caused by the accidental downing of a Russian military aircraft in Syria.

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th September, 2018) US Special Envoy for Syria James Jeffrey on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the loss of life caused by the accidental downing of a Russian military aircraft in Syria.

"I would like to express sorrow to our council partners Russia for the tragic loss of life when the Russian plane was downed yesterday," Jeffrey said during a UN Security Council meeting.

The Russian Hmeimim airbase lost contact with the crew of the Russian Il-20 military aircraft late on Monday as four Israeli F-16 aircraft attacked Syrian targets in the province of Latakia. Russia's Defense Ministry said the Israeli aircraft deliberately created a dangerous situation by using the Russian planes as shields against Syrian air defense systems.

As a result, the Il-20 jet was downed by a missile launched by Syria's S-200 air defense system.

The US envoy said the incident, which claimed 15 lives, is a reminder of the need to find a peaceful and political resolution to the Syrian conflict in line with the UN Security Council resolution 2251.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone over the death of the crew of a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft shot down over Syria, accusing Damascus of the incident. Netanyahu reassured Putin that Israel is ready to provide Russia all information necessary to investigate the tragedy.