Turkey: Syrian plane carried ammunition

ANKARA, Turkey -- A plane intercepted by Turkish fighter jets on its way from Moscow to Damascus was carrying equipment and ammunition destined for the Syrian Defense Ministry, Turkey's prime minister said yesterday.

Recep Tayyi Erdogan's comments follow a fierce denial by Syria that anything illegal had been aboard the Airbus A320 that was forced to land in Ankara late Wednesday. Syria, whose relations with neighboring Turkey have plummeted over the Syrian civil war, branded it an act of piracy.

Earlier in the day, Turkish officials had rejected claims by Russia, Syria's ally, that Turkey had endangered the lives of Russian citizens on the aircraft.

"These were equipment and ammunitions that were being sent from a Russian agency . . . to the Syrian Defense Ministry," Erdogan told reporters in Ankara.

"Their examination is continuing and the necessary [action] will follow," he added.

Yeni Safak, a newspaper close to the Turkish government, reported there were 10 containers aboard the plane, whose contents included radio receivers, antennas and equipment "thought to be missile parts."

A Western diplomat in Ankara told The Associated Press that Turkish authorities had found "military equipment" on board the plane, but did not elaborate.

The plane was allowed to continue to Damascus after several hours, without the cargo. -- AP