More international conflict revolving around the Middle East is occurring as Turkey and Russia are now on bad terms. Russian President Vladimir Putin claims a Russian Su-24 was shot down by a Turkish F-16 while flying over Syrian territory. Turkish officials, however, claim the Russian plane was shot down after ample warning of Turkish airspace violation. 

Putin describes the act as a “stab in the back,” claiming Turkish officials to be “accomplices of terrorists.” The Russian crew managed to eject before crashing in Syria, but there are reports of at least one casualty.

NATO is following the situation closely and is currently in contact with Turkish officials.  Putin adamantly defends his plane, arguing  the jet flew exclusively over Syria while Turkey has released a radar image of what they claim is the flight path of the Russian plane. This image clearly depicts the plane’s path as going over the southern tip of Turkey. 

The Russian defense military claims it has evidence proving its locations and that the aircraft did not leave Syrian airspace. There are also conflicting reports as to how the plane was shot down. Some reports claim it was brought down by ground fire while others hold Turkish jets were responsible. 

Turkey’s President Erdogan accuses Moscow of “playing with fire” and outright “lying.” Mr. Erdogan wants to meet face-to-face with Mr. Putin, who refuses to meet until an apology is made. Putin is adamant in this request, and despite several attempts, he still denies meeting until this apology is issued. 

With increased tensions, Russia has decided to draft economic sanctions against Turkey, as well as suspend visa-free travel. H

As of now, tensions remain high in the Middle East. The addition of Turkey and Russia as conflicting forces make handling the situation in Syria much harder. These conflicts revolving around Syria and ISIS need to be resolved, and soon, to avoid an international war.