Russian jet Su-24 has crashed on the Turkish-Syrian border, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"Su-24 of the Russian aviation group has crashed in the Syrian Arab Republic after alleged fire from the ground," the Russian Defense Ministry stated.

According to the preliminary reports, the plane was gunned down from the ground.

The Su-24 bomber jet was in Syrian airspace at the altitude 6,000 meters, the Russian Defense Ministry said. The pilots were reportedly able to parachute out of the jet before it crashed.

"The plane was located at an altitude of 6,000 meters. The fate of the pilots is still unknown. According to the preliminary data, the pilots were able to eject, The circumstances of the plane's crash are under investigation. The Russian Minsitry of Defense notes that during the flight the plane was located strictly in the Syrian airspace. It was registered," the statement read.

Two Turkish residents were injured by falling debris from the downed Russian bomber, Ulusal TV channel reports.


By Sputnik