Russian plane shot down by Syrian rebels

A Russian plane has been shot down in the rebel held area of northern Syria, a rebel group has reported.

The pilot is believed to have ejected himself before the crash and was captured by Syrian rebels, who said he was badly injured.

The warplane was brought down over Khan al-Subl town near the city of Saraqeb, an area that has been it hard by airstrikes.

The major motorway in the area has been under fierce air attack and there have been attempts to advance on the ground by the Syrian army and Iranian-backed militias.

Two rebel sources said the pilot was badly injured after escaping the crash by parachute. A third rebel source said he was killed.

There was no immediate comment from the Russian or Syrian armies.