Turkish army bans staff from vacationing in Russia

The Turkish army bans personnel from taking holidays in Russia, with which Ankara is embroiled in a bitter dispute over the shooting down of a Russian warplane, state-run media says.

The prohibition, which applies to both personnel and military academy students, is described as a “precautionary measure after the Russian warplane, which violated (Turkey’s) borders, was downed in accordance with the rules of engagement,” Anatolia news agency says.

Army personnel are expected to behave in a way that is “worthy” of the Turkish military while on vacation, Anatolia adds.

Russia and Turkey have been plunged in their worst crisis since the Cold War over Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane on the border with Syria on November 24.

— AFP