Nato has urged Russia to end air strikes “on the Syrian opposition and civilians”, days after Moscow began raids to support Syria’s government.
Moscow says it is targeting Islamic State and other Islamist positions, but US-led allies and Turkey say government opponents are targeted.
Turkish F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after a Russian plane entered Turkey’s air space on Saturday.
Russia said the incident was a “navigational error”.
Saturday’s interception took place near Yayladagi in the southern Hatay region, Turkey says. The foreign ministry in Ankara said it had summoned the Russian ambassador to issue a “strong protest”.
A statement by Nato’s 28 members, that include Turkey, warned of “the extreme danger of such irresponsible behaviour” and urged Russia “to cease and desist”.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Turkish TV that the rules of engagement were clear, whoever violates its airspace.
“The Turkish Armed Forces are clearly instructed. Even if it is a flying bird, it will be intercepted,” he said.
But he played down the possibility of a “Turkey-Russia crisis”, saying that channels between the two countries remained open.
The Russian air campaign began on Wednesday, with Moscow saying it was targeting IS positions and those of other extremists. Syria said on Monday that the air strikes had been planned for months.
On Monday Russia said it had “continued performing pinpoint strikes” on IS targets in Syria, carrying out 25 sorties and hitting nine Islamic State (IS) targets.
But Turkey and other members of the US-led coalition in Syria say the principal target is in fact the Syrian opposition groups fighting President Assad.
They assert that Russia’s intervention will further escalate the conflict and risks driving more recruits to IS.
Nato said Russian air strikes did not target IS positions, but said it should “focus its efforts” on doing so.
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By: BBC