Washington: The Russian jet was shut down only after it violated Turkish airspace and was warned on multiple occasions, the US confirmed Monday.
"The available information including evidence from Turkey and our own sources indicate that the Russian aircraft violated Turkish airspace," said State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau, adding "We also know that the Turks warned Russian pilots multiple times before the airspace violation to which Turks received no response."
Trudeau reiterated the US's "support for Turkeys right to defend its territory," and that the two countries should de-escalate tensions about the incident, according to Anadolu Agency (AA).
The Russian SU-24 bomber was downed by Turkey last week after it violated Turkish airspace above southern Hatay province along the border with Syria.
One Russian pilot was killed during the incident while another was rescued by Russian special forces.
QNA
