Amidst increased fighting in Damascus and Aleppo, Syrian rebels claim to have shot down a government jet in the eastern city of Deir Ezzour, presenting what would be one of their most impressive militaristic feats in the 17-month insurgency. The government, reports The Guardian, claims that the jet was downed due to technical failure, but a video appears to show rebel forces, who have called for a no-fly zone to protect civilian refugees, firing at the plane before it catches fire mid-air.
Meanwhile, according to Businessweek, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will recommend disbarring Syria from membership this week. Syria has already been suspended from the Arab League, and the newest recommendation has already been endorsed by the OIC’s executive committee.
