Report: ISIS shoots down Syrian warplane allegedly killing pilot

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian conflict now in its sixth year, says the pilot of the MIG Syrian warplane was killed.

By REUTERS
Updated: SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 12:54
Islamic State holds a parade in Raqqa in June, 2014 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Islamic State holds a parade in Raqqa in June, 2014
(photo credit: REUTERS)
BEIRUT - Islamic State shot down a Syrian military plane in the eastern Syrian city of Deir al-Zor, the Islamic State-affiliated news agency Amaq said on Sunday.
"A Syrian warplane belonging to the Syrian regime was brought down when targeted by fighters from the Islamic State in the city of Deir al-Zor," Amaq said in an online statement.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian conflict now in its sixth year, said the pilot of the MIG Syrian warplane was killed.
In July, militants shot down a military helicopter near Palmyra in Syria, killing two Russian pilots on board, Interfax news agency said, quoting Russia's defense ministry.
Amateur video shows wreckage of helicopter downed in Syria
The two men had been attacking a detachment of Islamic State fighters in the Homs region on Friday, when the Syrian Mi-25 helicopter they were in ran out of ammunition, the ministry said, according to Interfax.
"The turning helicopter was hit by militants' gunfire from the ground and crashed in the area controlled by the Syrian government army. The crew died," it added.
Video footage published by Islamic State's affiliated news agency Amaq showed a helicopter being shot and crashing to the ground against cries of 'It's fallen, God is greatest'.
Russian forces entered the conflict at the end of last year, backing the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad.