22 Jun 2012

Syrian fighter pilot granted asylum

5:49 am on 22 June 2012

Jordan has granted political asylum to a Syrian pilot who landed his Mig-21 fighter jet at a military base in the north of the country.

Syria has denounced him as a traitor and deserter and the defence ministry wants the plane back.

The BBC reports the pilot had flown from al-Dumair military airport, north-east of Damascus. The defection of the pilot is the first involving the air force.