'Twould be a sad irony if the helicopter was being flown by defectors trying to get away from Assad ...
The deputy prime minister said the initiative taken by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to shoot down the Syrian helicopter was based on the rules of engagement with Syria. The country’s rules of engagement changed after Syria shot down a Turkish plane in June 2012. Turkish officials did not publicly announce details of the revised rules of engagement, but some reports claimed Turkish forces would fire on any Syrian forces approaching within five kilometers of the Turkish border on the Syrian side.
Payback's a bear, isn't it?
I am reminded of the RoE I was offered (as a friendly) by the guy in charge of AAW (ships with surface to air missiles chareged with air defense, USN style) off of the Lebanese coast, early 1980's.
"Squawk or die."
He was mostly referring to making sure one's mode 4 was operating. It appears the Turks have taken his position and cranked it up a notch.