Turkish Press: Turkish and Israeli Jets Come Face to Face over Syria

Following Israel’s airstrikes on Damascus and Hama, Turkish F-16s entered Syrian airspace and intercepted Israeli jets, reports Turkey’s anti-government SOZCU Daily.

Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on eight targets around Damascus and Hama on the night of May 2. According to local sources, among the points targeted by Israel were the bases of the Sultan Murad and Suleyman Shah brigades, which are supported by Turkey. At the same time, it was claimed that Turkish F-16s also crossed into northern Syria.

WARNING SIGNALS

According to local sources, Turkish warplanes conducted patrol flights in the area where Israeli jets were operating. It was claimed that the F-16s sent warning signals to Israeli aircraft via electronic warfare systems and that short-term radio contact was established between the planes. Both sides avoided conflict.

The tension occurred at a time when Turkey had begun to increase its military cooperation with the new interim administration in Syria.

A NEW FRONT?

It is known that Ankara is active at the T4 and Hama airbases, areas previously targeted by Israel. Israel considers Turkey’s presence in the airspace as an “operational risk.”

‘A CLASH MAY ERUPT…’

According to the claims, Israel dispatched a second jet fleet to the region. A total of 14 warplanes reportedly patrolled Syrian airspace on the same day. It was suggested that the Israeli General Staff warned the Trump administration in the U.S. that “in the next ‘violation,’ Turkish jets would be targeted.” Ankara has not made an official statement.

Source: SÖZCÜ Newspaper