This mission is loosely based on the a real life event where a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24M attack aircraft near the Syria–Turkey border on 24 November 2015.
Head over to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Russian_Sukhoi_Su-24_shootdown to obtain additional info if you are interested in hearing both sides of the story.
ISIS forces are on the retreat and have gathered in the wider IDLIB area.
Syria-based Turkmen fighters are native to this area and currently tolerate the presence of ISIS - with approval from Turkey.
While a final plan on how to clear this area is finalised there is a need to keep the pressure on ISIS to prevent them from consolidating.
A 4-flight of SU-24s (callsign 105) will take off from Bassel Al-Assad air base to conduct pinpoint strikes in the IDLIB area.
Your task is to escort these bombers in and out of the target area with the help of your wingman.
Once you reach waypoint 2 start an orbit around IDLIB and wait for the bombers to execute their task as well as engage any additional targets of opportunity.
When the bombers rejoin your group lead them via waypoints 3, 4 and 5 back to their point of departure.
EWR is available for AWACS support.
NATO and Israel are also observing North Syrian air space closely.
Your orders are to monitor for any potential threats.
Do not use weapons unless cleared to do so.
Additional Syrian Air Force helicopter groups will also be engaged in the area. You do not need to worry about them.
Known SAM sites:
Incirlik - Patriot
Hatay - Hawk
Gaziantep -Hawk
