Russia says plane ‘almost hit’ by anti-aircraft fire in Syria

(FASTNEWS | Syria) – A passenger plane in Syria was forced to re-route after it was almost hit by the country’s missile defence system, Russia’s defence ministry says.

According to a statement quoted by Russian media, the plane was about to land in Damascus when Syrian anti-aircraft fire responded to an alleged Israeli attack early on Thursday.

The Airbus 320 then diverted to the Russian airbase of Hmeimim in north-western Syria, the ministry said.

More than 172 people were on board.

Israel did not comment on Thursday’s strikes, but it has acknowledged carrying out hundreds of strikes in Syria in recent years against Iranian-linked targets and to thwart arms shipments via Syria to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Israel says it will not allow Iran, its sworn enemy, to deepen its military presence in Syria, which Israel sees as an attempt by Iran and its proxies to surround it.