Turkey to Russia: 'Our rules of engagement are clear'

Turkey responds to Russian airplanes flying in Turkish airspace

Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has promised to take necessary actions in order to protect the country's borders from the incursion done by Russian warplanes, when they entered its airspace on Sunday. This has forced Turkey to scramble their fighter jets and to call for the Russian president's attention through a demonstration.

ANKARA, TURKEY (Catholic Online) - According to a U.S. military source, two Russian war planes may have flown into Turkish air space accidentally, leading Turkey to call urgent meetings on the issue.

The unnamed source stated, "We don't believe the Russians are poking the Turks intentionally. At least one of these planes may have been lost." The official also added that the warplanes were flying then along the border, and the radar is indefinite from the location where they were spotted.

The alliance is strongly against the Russian violations, and emphasized on "the extreme danger of such irresponsible behavior." NATO released a statement, referring to Russia's actions as "dangerous incursions" and "provocative violations."  

Russia admitted that the plane entered Turkey by mistake, and they assured Ankara that the incident wouldn't happen again. In Madrid, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter explained that the U.S. is negotiating with Turkish leaders about the violation.

The incident occurred despite Turkish concerns over Russian air strikes in Syria that targeted foreign-backed insurgents. Russia and Turkey have conflicting positions on the Syrian government, with Russia supporting President Bashar Assad, and Turkey pushing for his oust. 
In an interview with Prime Minister Davutoglu, he explained that NATO member Turkey would implement its rules of engagement if its air space is violated, which calls for treating anyone approaching its border from Syria as an enemy.

Davutoglu said, "The Turkish armed forces have their orders. The necessary will be done even if it's a bird that violates Turkey's border.Our rules of engagement are clear."

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed solidarity with Turkey and noted that the situation will be discussed at a meeting scheduled next week. Davutoglu will also spearhead a security meeting later in the evening in Ankara.

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