14 Aug 2019 | 05:35 PM UTC
Syria: Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants claim downing of Sukhoi 22 over Idlib province Aug. 14 /update 2
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants claim downing of Sukhoi 22 warplane near Khan Shaykhun (Idlib province) August 14; further fighting to be expected around Khan Shaykhun over the near term
Event
Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants claimed to have shot down a Sukhoi 22 warplane near Khan Shaykhun (Idlib province) on Wednesday, August 14. The militant group claimed the warplane had taken off from a Syrian airbase in Homs province. The pilot of the plane ejected and was captured, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The incident came as Syrian government forces advanced to within a few kilometers of Khan Shaykhun on Wednesday.
Further armed exchanges are to be expected between HTS militants and Syrian government and allied forces around Khan Shaykhun over the near term.
Context
To date, the Syrian conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
