Assad offers condolences to Putin over military plane crash

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the downing of the Russian Il-20 military plane off the Syrian coast on September 17 and accused Israel of the incident, SANA news agency said on Wednesday posting the message of condolences on its site.

“On behalf of the Syrian people and by my name, we express our deep condolence over the fall of the Russian jet on the Mediterranean, causing the martyrdom of the Russian heroes who were doing their noble duties along with their colleagues of the Russian military forces in the fight against terrorism in Syria,” Assad said.

SANA added that “the regrettable incident was a result of the Israeli usual rampage which always uses the dirtiest means to achieve its low purposes and carry out its aggression in our region.”

“We are confident that such painful acts would not affect you and us to continue fighting terrorism,” the Syrian president said.