U.S. Condemns Syria's "Brazen" Shooting Down Of Turkish Fighter Jet

The United States has condemned Syria's "brazen and unacceptable" shooting down of a Turkish F-4 fighter jet on June 22 without warning.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu yesterday to convey "grave concern" about the downing of the jet.

The Foreign Minister briefed her on the specifics of the incident, including that the Syrian military shot its plane down without warning.

"The United States condemns this brazen and unacceptable act in the strongest possible terms. It is yet another reflection of the Syrian authorities' callous disregard for international norms, human life, and peace and security," said Mrs Clinton in a statement.

She said the U.S. will maintain close contact with Turkish officials as they continue to investigate the incident and determine Turkey's response, including in the Security Council.

"We will work with Turkey and other partners to hold the Assad regime accountable," she said.