Syrian fighter pilot defects to Jordan

Help

A Syrian fighter pilot has been granted asylum in Jordan after flying his plane to a military air base in the north of the country, officials say.

The defection of the MiG-21 pilot is the first involving the air force.

Syria has condemned the pilot as a traitor, and has asked the Jordanian government for the return of its plane.

Jim Muir reports.

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.