Syria apparently lost two MIG-21s during a clash with Israeli jets yesterday although an Israeli military spokesman insisted today that only one was shot down. The confirmed “kill” was seen crashing into a hill on the Lebanese side of the Syrian-Lebanese border. Its pilot identified as Capt. Nabil Barhash, ejected safely over Lebanese territory and was reported to have told newsmen that he was pursued by six Israeli planes.
Lebanese sources reported that a second plane, presumably a Syrian MIG, crashed into the sea. Its pilot, Ibrahim Souleimon, ejected but was fatally injured. Israeli sources said the second plane may have crash-landed because of mechanical difficulties or because it ran out of fuel. The pilot’s body was returned to Syria for burial.
Israel disputed Syria’s allegation that yesterday’s dogfight took place in Syrian airspace. Israeli spokesmen said the fight ensued after Syrian MIGs violated Israeli airspace in an attempt to interfere with an Israeli aerial patrol along the cease-fire lines. Lebanon, supporting the Syrian account, claimed that the battle began over Syria midway between Baalbee on the Mediterranean coast and Nabk, site of a Syrian Army camp bombed by Israeli aircraft last Saturday.
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