DAMASCUS -- The Syrian air-defense force shot down a Russian Il-20 electronic and radar reconnaissance aircraft, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Late on September 17, 2018, a Russian Il-20 was shot down by the Syrian military in a friendly-fire incident that left 15 Russian personnel dead. The shoot-down occurred amid apparent Israeli airstrikes in Latakia, Homs, and Hama that likely targeted Iran and Hezbollah. Haaretz reported that the airstrikes were 'especially unusual' as the Israeli military has generally avoided Latakia, where the Russian Aerospace Force has an airbase.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the shoot down by Syrian forces, but blamed the Israeli military for the incident, saying that the Israeli aircraft in the area 'deliberately created a dangerous situation', according to Sputnik International. Russian officials claimed that the Israeli aircraft had used the Il-20 as 'cover' against Syrian air-defense systems.
Major General Igor Konashenkov, the spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry, said, "Israel did not warn the command of the Russian troops in Syria about the planned operation. We received a notification via a hotline less than a minute before the strike, which did not allow the Russian aircraft to be directed to a safe zone."
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Israeli military extended its condolences to Russia but called Syria "fully responsible" for the Il-20's downing, naming Hezbollah and Iran as also "accountable for this unfortunate incident." Israel asserts its aircraft were already back in Israeli airspace at the time the shoot down occurred.
The incident marks a test in Israel-Russia relations. Amid Russia's campaign in Syria, which began in September 2015, the two countries have worked to deconflict the Syrian airspace to avoid accidents between their Air Forces. The Israeli Air Force has conducted numerous raids on targets throughout Syria but has avoided hitting Russian positions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are to discuss the Il-20 shoot-down over the phone September 17.
The shoot-down occurred on the same day that Russia and Turkey were able to reach "a landmark and crucial agreement for Syria's future" that should help avert a Syrian military offensive on insurgent-held Idlib province for the time being. The two countries will jointly administer a demilitarized zone running the perimeter of the province. The implementation of the buffer will reduce the likelihood of a major confrontation between the Syrian military and insurgent groups, but leaves open the political fate of Idlib province.
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