IS Shoots Down Syrian MiG-23 Jet, Pilot Under Captivity

The Islamic State (IS) terrorists have reportedly brought down a Syrian MiG-23 fighter plane in the east Damascus countryside on Friday morning, according to the reports by the jihadist’s media agency Al-Amaq News.  

The pilot was reportedly found alive after landing and has been captured by the IS, the agency claimed, according to Reuters.

A video posted by militants allegedly shows the burning MiG-23 Flogger fighter-bomber lying in the desert. Amid the wreckage, a two-starred Syrian government flag is reportedly visible.

IS fighters were reportedly seen picking up parts of the wreckage around the crash site, which is in an area said to be controlled by the terror group. The authenticity of the video could not be verified.

According to the terrorist group’s media agency, the pilot was identified as Azzam Eid from Hama City.

RIA Novosti also cited a Syrian militia source who said that a Syrian MiG-23 had crashed near an IS-controlled area outside of Damascus on Friday.