Relations between the neighbouring states have collapsed during the Syrian conflict with Ankara squarely backing rebels trying to topple
Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneckal-Assad
Before going into the family business Pencilneck was an eye doctor. If he'd stuck with it he'd have had a good practice by now...
It was the most serious incident since Turkish warplanes last September downed a Syrian helicopter that Ankara said was two kilometres (more than a mile) inside its airspace.
A Syrian military source said Sunday Turkey shot down the warplane "in a flagrant act of aggression that is evidence of (Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip) Erdogan's support for terrorist groups."
The aircraft "was chasing terrorist groups inside Syrian territory at Kasab," said the source, referring to the disputed border crossing. The pilot was able to eject.
Syrian troops and rebels have been locked in deadly fighting since Friday for control of Kasab in the northern province of Latakia, a regime stronghold.
The battle erupted after three jihadist groups, including al Qaeda's Syria affiliate Al-Nusra Front, announced the launch of an offensive Tuesday in Latakia dubbed "Anfal," or "spoils of war."
In a move expected to further exacerbate tensions, Erdogan praised Turkey's military for downing the warplane and warned Syria against any response.
"I congratulate the chief of general staff, the armed forces and those honourable pilots... I congratulate our air forces," said Erdogan.
"Our response will be heavy if you violate our airspace," he warned Damascus.
Turkish media reported that the military told two Syrian jets approaching the border that they should turn away, but scrambled F-16 jets when one ignored the warning.
The Britannia-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the plane was bombing rebels fighting to seize Kasab when it was hit, catching fire and crashing inside Syrian territory.
The monitor said jihadists had overrun the crossing but were still battling loyalist forces in the area and in nearby Kasab town. It also said the government has sent military reinforcements.
The battle for Kasab erupted on Friday and at least 80 fighters on both sides have been killed.