A Russian surveillance plane with 14 on board that 'disappeared from radar' is believed to have been accidentally shot down by the Syrian regime who was under attack by Israeli missiles.

There's conflicting reports as to who is responisible for the downing of the aircraft, howver the US claims it was accidentally shot down by the Syrian regime's anti-aircraft artillery after the Syrians came under fire by Israeli missiles.

CNN cites a 'US official with knowledge of the incident'.

Syria has blamed Israel for the disappearance of the Russian aircraft - for launching a missile strike in the first place.

A brief statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence says the aircraft, described as an IL-20 surveillance aircraft carrying 14 crew, 'disappeared from radar' as the attack on Syrian and Iranian regime forces in the port city of Latakia was underway.

First footage of Syrian AD missiles over Latakia.pic.twitter.com/VPmssxqtC4

— Aldin 🇧🇦 (@aldin_ww) September 17, 2018

Syria is yet to confirm or deny its involvement in the aircraft's disappearance.

Russia has stated that its radar detected missile launches coming from the French frigate Auvergne at the same time four Israeli F-16s attacked Syrian targets.

💥 #SyAAD launches SAMs towards unidentified aerial objects coming from Mediterranean Sea earlier tonight. #Syria pic.twitter.com/HLxRwGkfjm

— Arabiana Intel (@ArabianaINTEL) September 17, 2018

Syrian air defences were activated after missiles were detected approaching from the sea.

"After the radar incident, 35 kilometers from the Syrian coast, a Russian Il-20 was lost, carrying 14 servicemen on board. At present, their fate is unknown, the command of the Russian air base Khmeimim organised a search and rescue operation," a statement reads.

CNN reports the US found out about the incident because Syrian forces had broadcast an emergency search and rescue radio call on an international frequency.

Syrian media has stated that a 'number of missiles' have been shot down by its air defence network. SANA reported the missiles targeting Latakia came "from the sea," citing military sources.

Latakia is close to Russia's Khmeimim Air Base. It is unclear if its air defence batteries were also engaged in the defence, or if the aircraft was hit by 'friendly fire' from nearby Syrian forces.

More to come.