Syria says defector pilot is a traitor, wants jet back

The Syrian Defence Ministry said on Thursday that a military pilot who defected to Jordan on Thursday with his MiG-21 fighter jet was a "traitor" and that it was in contact with Jordanian authorities to retrieve the aircraft.

"The pilot is considered a deserter from service and a traitor to his country and his military honour. Contacts are underway with the Jordanian side to make arrangements to return the plane," a statement by the ministry said. (Reuters)