Syria confirms Israeli downing of Syrian war jet

The Syrian army has confirmed the downing of a Syrian war jet by Israel over the Israeli- occupied Golan Heights earlier on Tuesday, according to the official SANA news agency.

Media reports cited Israeli sources as confirming that the Israeli forces shot down a Syrian war jet over the Golan Heights using a patriot missile.

Meanwhile, the pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV said the jet's crew members have survived.

Local media said the Syrian troops are engaged in battles against the Nusra Front in the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan Heights in al-Qunaitera province.

Syria has for long accused Israel of aiding the radical militants in al-Qunaitera particularly after the Israeli authorities have recently provided medical treatment to injured rebels.