Turkey Downs Russian Fighter Jet, Increasing Tensions

NPR

Published November 24, 2015 at 12:06 PM EST

In this photo made from video made available by Russian Defense Ministry official website on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, Russian air force Su-30 fighter jets take off from the Hemeimeem air base in Syria as part of a Russian air campaign against target in Syria, according to information provided by Russian Defense Ministry. Russian long-range bombers and navy ships have launched 101 cruise missiles in four days, including 18 fired by Russian navy ships from the Caspian Sea on Friday, according to information released by Russian Defense Ministry. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP)

Tension is mounting between Turkey and Russia, after a Turkish F16 fighter jet shot down a Russian attack plane that had allegedly ventured into Turkish airspace. Russian officials dispute that claim, saying the plane was on the Syrian side of the border.

Russian jets had twice breached Turkish airspace in October. NATO is convening a special meeting today to discuss the incident at the request of the Turkish foreign ministry. The downing of the plane comes as the U.S. and France are seeking increased cooperation from Russia in the fight against ISIS in Syria, following the Paris attacks.

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.

Correction: A Russian fighter jet was shot down, not a Russian airliner. In error, we said “airliner” in the on-air version of this story.

Guest

Selin Girit, BBC reporter. She tweets @selingirit.