Turkish jet fighters intercepted a Syrian passenger airplane, after receiving reports that it was carrying 'illegal cargo'", according to Turkey's foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

The plane was travelling from Moscow to Syria over Turkish airspace when reports surfaced that it was carrying military equipment and "non-civilian cargo". The aircraft was escorted to Esenboga airport for security checks and some hours later was allowed to continue on its journey.

Mr Davutoglu did not confirm whether any weapons had been found in the search of the plane, but did say "objectionable" materials had been confiscated from the plane before it was allowed to leave. Unconfirmed reports in local media said the confiscated cargo included boxes of military communication equipment.

Russia responded via an arms export agency who was quoted by Interfax news agency said "Neither weapons nor any kind of systems or parts for military equipment were on board".

This tough new stance on Syria follows the mortar attack which killed 5 Turkish nationals including three children in a town on the Turkish/Syrian border. Which means that Ankara is determined, to stop any transfer of weapons to Syria through its airspace.

I am Ann Salter thanks for watching. Stay tuned for the latest news and updates with me at ibtimes.co.uk

Written and presented by Ann Salter