Kerry, Lavrov discuss Russian jet downed by Turkey

WASHINGTON

Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday urged calm and dialogue during a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov after a Russian jet was downed by Turkish F-16s.

"He also stressed the need for both sides not to allow this incident to escalate tensions between their two countries or in Syria," according to a State Department statement.

Kerry also offered condolences for the loss of life during the incident that occurred Tuesday.

Turkish F-16 fighters intercepted a Russian SU-24 bomber after it crossed into Turkish airspace.

After not responding to 10 Turkish Air Force warnings in 5 minutes, an F-16 opened fire on the Russian jet under Turkey’s rules of engagement.

One of the Russian pilots was killed during the crash while the other is alive, according to Russian authorities.

The U.S., NATO and several European countries have asserted Turkey's rights to defend its territorial sovereignty and President Barack Obama called on Turkish and Russian authorities to de-escalate the situation.

In early October, Russian warplanes breached Turkish airspace.

Russian officials apologized and pledged that no such incident would be repeated.

Turkey had also renewed its warning on engagement rules, including a military response against violations of its airspace.