Turkey conducted ‘punitive action’ by shooting Syrian helicopter, Turkish FM says

ISTANBUL

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu. AP Photo

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said that Turkey conducted a “punitive action” by downing a Syrian helicopter, justifiable in terms of international justice and rules of engagement as the helicopter violated Turkish air space despite warnings.

A Syrian helicopter was shot down by The Turkish Air Force at the border after the helicopter violated Turkish airspace.

Davutoğlu stressed that Turkey would not accept any violation of its borders.

"As it was before, we are decisive about protecting our borders and citizens to the end ... The necessary information [about the incident] will be handed to NATO, the United Nations Security Council, and the U.N. General Secretary," he said.

"Nobody will dare to violate Turkey's borders again. The necessary measures have been taken," the foreign minister added.