Turkey Scrambles Jets On Syria Border

Turkey has scrambled a total of six F-16 fighters jets near its border with Syria, the country's armed forces command says.

The move came in response to three cases of Syrian military helicopters approaching the Turkish border, although there was no border violation, according to the statement.

Last month, Syrian forces shot down a Turkish jet in the border area.

The incident further strained already tense relations.

On Friday, Turkey said it had begun deploying rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns along the border in response to the downing of its F-4 Phantom jet.

Turkey has strongly criticised Syria's response to the 16-month anti-government uprising, which has seen more than 30,000 Syrian refugees enter Turkey.

Posted in: Middle East