Jerusalem, Sep 19 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin to convey Israel's condolences to the death of Russian aircrew shot down by Syrian forces during an Israeli airstrike.
The phone talk came after Syrian air defense missiles shot down a 15-crew Russian plane amidst an Israeli air raid on the Syrian city of Latakia, according to Israeli and Russian officials.
Earlier Tuesday, the Israeli military said its airstrike, carried out by four Israeli F-16s, was aimed to halt "accurate and lethal weapons" from Iran to the militia of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
"The prime minister expressed his regret over the death of the Russian soldiers and said that Syria was responsible for the loss of the plane," the Israeli PM's Office said in a statement.
During the talk, Netanyahu stressed the importance of the ongoing military coordination between Israel and Russia over their moves in Syria in the past three years, which "succeeded in preventing many losses on both sides," the statement said.
Netanyahu told Putin that Israel is "determined to stop Iran's military buildup in Syria and the attempts by Iran, which calls for the destruction of Israel, to give Hezbollah lethal weapons against Israel."
Netanyahu also said Israel is prepared to share with Russia all the information it has collected on the accident and offered to dispatch to Moscow the Israeli air force commander to provide details from an investigation launched by the air force.
The statement did not elaborate on Putin's remarks during the talk. Putin and Netanyahu have held regular meetings to coordinate their moves in the war-torn country.
Israel has carried out some 200 airstrikes over the last 18 months, claiming that the attacks aimed to prevent Iranian weapons convoys and stop Iran from establishing a military foothold in Syria.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Belthangady: Another incident involving individuals allegedly dancing indecently, dressed in a denigrating manner, and insulting the Azan (Islamic call to prayer) has come to light under the jurisdiction of the Venoor Police Station. A case has been lodged against 17 accused persons and 20 to 30 others who were allegedly involved in the act.
Based on a complaint filed by Mohammed Rafiq, a resident of Poyyegudde house in Padangady village, a case has been registered at Venoor police station against Savya residents Vasantha, Rajesh, Harish, Peradi residents Dayanand, Ranganath, Mohan, Shamit, Ravi, Ramesh Kulal, Suresh, Ashoka Kulal, Dhanush Haradottu, Harish Banthottu, Ramesh R.K, Suresh Barottu, Pramod, Prakash Peradi and 20 to 30 other individuals.
A case has been registered under Section 353(2) along with Section 3(5) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 for disrespecting Islam, Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic prayer Azhan by wearing Muslim attire during a 'Purusha Kattuna' event on April 14th.
A video of the incident is reportedly circulating on various social media platforms. In the purported video, a group of individuals can be seen wearing traditional Muslim attire and allegedly insulting the Azan by dancing indecently during a 'Purusha Kattuna' (a ritualistic dance performed by men of different castes, typically marking the end of agricultural activities) event held in Peradi near Venoor.
This incident follows a similar episode reported just days ago during a Purushara Puja ceremony, where Islam was allegedly disrespected. A complaint had already been filed with the Venoor police regarding that incident.
Leaders from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) had also approached the Venoor police and submitted an official complaint, and demanded immediate action against those who are responsible for creating unrest in the society by wearing Muslim attire and hurting religious sentiments.
The Venoor police have now registered a case following widespread outrage over the alleged video denigrating Islam.