Islamic State says it downs warplane in Syria

Islamic State fighters said on Wednesday they had shot down a warplane in the north-eastern Syrian province ofRaqqa and taken the pilot captive.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said it had confirmed reports the plane was brought down near Raqqa city, a major stronghold for Islamic State fighters.

Events in Syria are difficult to verify because of restricted media access to conflict zones.

Islamic State social media accounts published pictures purportedly of the warplane's pilot being held by the group's fighters and said he was Jordanian. It was not possible to verify the images.

The Observatory, which monitors Syria's war with a network of sources, said it had confirmed the pilot's capture and said he was believed to have an Arab nationality.

the Syrian government and a US-led coalition set up to fight Islamic State regularly strike Islamic State targets in Raqqa province.

Raqqa province, which borders Turkey, is almost entirely under the control of Islamic State fighters.

Boosted by arms seized in Iraq, the group evicted most rival rebels from the province earlier this year and took control of a string of government military bases over the summer, including an air base.

There was no immediate comment on the reports of the plane's downing from the Syrian government or from officials of countries participating in the coalition. US officials said they were looking into the media reports but declined further comment.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have participated in or supported the strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, according to US Central Command.

related articles
23 Christian families are stranded in the ISIS-controlled city of Raqqa
23 Christian families are stranded in the ISIS-controlled city of Raqqa

23 Christian families are stranded in the ISIS-controlled city of Raqqa

Women captured by Islamic State commit suicide to escape sexual violence
Women captured by Islamic State commit suicide to escape sexual violence

Women captured by Islamic State commit suicide to escape sexual violence

Over 1,000 Islamist militants killed in US strikes in Syria: monitor
Over 1,000 Islamist militants killed in US strikes in Syria: monitor

Over 1,000 Islamist militants killed in US strikes in Syria: monitor

Syria\'s ancient cultural treasures are being destroyed by ongoing war
Syria's ancient cultural treasures are being destroyed by ongoing war

Syria's ancient cultural treasures are being destroyed by ongoing war

News
The Gorton and Denton by-election and the alarming rise of sectarianism in British politics
The Gorton and Denton by-election and the alarming rise of sectarianism in British politics

Whatever one’s political persuasion and affiliation, the voters of Britain who genuinely value democracy should be alarmed.

Assisted suicide falters in Westminster but receives final approval in Jersey
Assisted suicide falters in Westminster but receives final approval in Jersey

Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide bill is expected to run out of time as Jersey moves towards Royal Assent.

3 members of Christian family murdered in India
3 members of Christian family murdered in India

The Christians were accused of practising black magic before their murders.

Christian teacher shot dead in Syrian sectarian violence
Christian teacher shot dead in Syrian sectarian violence

Christian school teacher, Iman Jarrous, was shot dead in Homs.