Tensions flare over plane forced down by Turkey
Syria and Moscow rail against Turkey for forcing down passenger jet and deny Ankara's claim that seized cargo might include arms for Assad
Tensions flared yesterday between Turkey and Syria as well as top Syrian ally Russia after Ankara forced a Syrian passenger plane from Moscow, reportedly carrying arms, to land in the Turkish capital.
Turkey's prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the plane was carrying equipment and ammunition destined for the Syrian Defence Ministry. His comments followed a fierce denial by Syria that anything illegal had been aboard the Airbus A320 that was forced by Turkey to land in Ankara late Wednesday.
Syria, whose relations with neighbouring Turkey have plummeted over the Syrian war, branded it an act of piracy.
Earlier, Turkish officials had rejected claims by Syria's ally Russia that Turkey had endangered the lives of Russian citizens on board the aircraft.
"These were equipment and ammunitions that were being sent from a Russian agency ... to the Syrian Defence Ministry," Erdogan said. "Their examination is continuing and the necessary (action) will follow."
, a newspaper close to the Turkish government, reported the cargo included radio receivers, antennas and equipment "thought to be missile parts." Turkish state-run television TRT also reported the plane was carrying military communications equipment.
The plane was allowed to continue to Damascus after several hours, without the cargo.
