Turkish forces shot down the warplane on Sunday. However, the pilot managed to eject before the crash.

The pilot, speaking to the Syrian state television, underscored that he was flying over Syrian territory when a Turkish F-16 targeted his plane.

Ankara claimed that the Syrian jet had violated its airspace despite warnings, but Damascus argued the plane had been over Syrian territory at the time.

Syria also called the move as a "blatant aggression" against the country, blaming Turkey for interrupting Syrian army operation in defeating militant forces.

The incident occurred in an area where Syrian forces were fighting militants for control of Kasab border crossing.

RA/BA