Turkish aircraft violate Greek air space, again

Six Turkish aircraft violated Greek national air space in the northeastern, central and southeastern Aegean six times Monday, according to Greek defense officials. The two Turkish jets – F-16s, both of which were armed – and four helicopters carried out six violations of the Athens Flight Information Region.

There was one mock dogfight, according to Greek defense sources, who said Greek jets intercepted the Turkish aircraft in line with international rules of engagement.

Turkish violations of Greek air space and territorial waters increased in the wake of last summer’s failed coup in Turkey and then again in the run-up to a referendum last month aimed at boosting the powers of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.