Turkey operating under rules of engagement on border security: President Gül

ANKARA

Turkish President Abdullah Gül said the Syrian government admitted that the helicopter had crossed the border. DHA photo

Turkey shot down a Syrian helicopter on Sept. 16 under its rules of engagement in the interests of maintaining border security, Turkish President Abdullah Gül said today during a meeting with Ugandan Ambassador Johnson Olwa Agara, echoing other government officials.
 
"As you know, Turkey’s Syrian border is not an ordinary border. There is an extraordinary situation on the border. Turkey declared its rules of engagement after certain events happened. When the helicopter passed over the border line, Turkey did what was necessary under the rules," said Gül. 

Gül also said the Syrian government admitted that the helicopter had crossed the border.

Syria shot down a Turkish aircraft on June 22, 2012, in the eastern Mediterranean, killing the two pilots on board.