DAMASCUS: A Syrian warplane crashed in the east of the country on Monday after suffering technical problems, state media reported, after rebels claimed they had downed a fighter jet.
"A military plane encountered technical problems during a routine training mission in the east. The pilot ejected and searches are now under way to find him," the official SANA news agency said.
An amateur video posted on YouTube by activists and marked with a logo reading: "The revolutionary youth from the land of the Euphrates," shows a fighter jet apparently being hit, after the sound of heavy fire is heard.
A ball of fire erupts from the plane, followed by a trail of smoke. The jet continues to fly, as it appears the plane has been hit in the tail.
"Allahu Akbar! (God is greatest)," cries an unidentified man. "A MiG plane has been hit in the town of Muhasen," in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor.
If confirmed, it would be the first time that the rebels have succeeded in downing a Syrian plane and suggests they have probably acquired ground-to-air missiles.
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