Turkish pilots' deaths investigated

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ANKARA, Turkey, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- The family of a Turkish air force officer killed when his plane was shot down by Syria has filed a criminal complaint.

Monday's filing has triggered an investigation by the public prosecutor in Malatya, the Anatolian News Agency reported. The office has requested autopsy reports and other information.

The family of Lt. Hasan Huseyin charges Turkish officials share responsibility for his death and that of his fellow-pilot, Capt. Gokhan Ertan. In the complaint, the family said the two men were deliberately sent on a dangerous mission.

One of the targets of the investigation is reported to be Hakan Fidan, head of the National Intelligence Organization. The prosecutor's office will need permission from the prime minister's office to proceed.

Both men were killed in June. Turkey and Syria have released differing accounts of what led to the plane's downing.