Russian Su-34 chasing Israeli F-16 in Lebanese airspace?

A Russian Su-34 aircraft. Photo: Reuters

In a statement released yesterday, the Russian Defense Ministry said: "The Su-34 multirole bombers of the Russian Air Force deployed in Syria were not used to intercept air targets and were not operating in Lebanese airspace."

"The information spread by an Israeli news agency about a Russian Su-34 intercepting two Israeli F-16s in Lebanese airspace is completely absurd," the statement added.

The statement came after Lebanese and Israeli media said that two Israeli Air Force F-16s were chased by Russian Su-34s. The Israeli planes were said to be on a reconnaissance mission over Syria from Lebanese airspace.

In addition, a video circulating on social media shows a Su-34 aircraft appearing in Lebanese airspace. However, Russia said that the image quality of the video is very poor and was filmed at a quite long distance, making it difficult to conclude exactly what type of aircraft it is and where it is exactly.