Free Syrian Army claims downed fighter jet in Idlib

By Al Arabiya

The Free Syrian Army (FSA) claimed Thursday that it had downed a Syrian military fighter jet in the northwestern province of Idlib.

In the video, which was exclusively obtained by Al Arabiya, a crowd of Syrian rebels shout “Allah Akbar” — “God is great” — as the airplane falls from the sky, billowing smoke.

Smoke swirls as the fighter jet, downed by the Free Syrian Army, descends in the northwestern city of Idlib. (Al Arabiya)

Two pilots can be seen in the video, descending in parachutes after ejecting from the jet.

The FSA also claimed on Thursday that it had destroyed 11 helicopters and a number of tanks around Tiftiaz military airport, in the northern city of Aleppo, where there has been heavy fighting between the resistance and troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

The rebel forces on Wednesday started targeting the airport, which is considered to be one of the largest bases in the country for military helicopters.

The Syrian army has been bombarding the less heavily armed rebels with helicopters and jets as they fight for control of the country, inflicting large casualties.

On Monday, Syrian opposition fighters made headlines when they downed a helicopter in Damascus.

via Free Syrian Army claims downed fighter jet in Idlib.