© Twitter/Southcom
Footage of the Russian-made Su-30 aircraft approaching a US EP-3 reconnaissance plane was released by the Southern Command on Sunday. The US military said the incident took place over the Caribbean Sea on July 19, but did not indicate how close the EP-3 was to the Venezuelan border, stating that the planes were in international airspace.
The actions of the Venezuelan plane were "jeopardizing" to the US aircraft and its crew, Southern Command said, claiming it was at an "unsafe distance." The Su-30 does not seem to have any visible weaponry, however planes of the type usually come fitted with an internal autocannon.
The tweet comes after Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino accused the US spy plane of entering the Flight Information Region (FIR) Maiquetía, controlled by the country, without authorization. This violated the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and "constituted an aeronautical risk for other aircraft," Padrino said.
Brief footage showing the US spy plane - apparently captured from the Su-30 - was released by Venezuela.
Since the Venezuelan plane was Russian-made, the US military did not hesitate to blame its favorite bogeyman - Moscow - for the incident. It is proof of "Russia's irresponsible military support" for the Venezuelan government, as well as of President Nicolas Maduro's undermining of "efforts to counter illicit trafficking," the military said.
The US military would unlikely give such a bold evaluation of the incident if its spy plane had run into an F-16, which the Venezuelan military has in stock as well. Russian Su-30s were purchased by Caracas in the mid-2000s, in the Hugo Chavez era.
Amid ongoing US-backed attempts to oust Maduro and install self-styled 'interim-president' Juan Guaido, Washington has repeatedly called upon Moscow to stop its cooperation with Venezuela and "get out" of the country. Russia says the cooperation, which is in compliance with all international rules, is only set to expand.
Reader Comments
Russia showed the lion roars a lot, but does not bite. Thus allowing others to regain confidence and strength. To claw-back and defend their own regional interests. Slowly repositioning themselves towards a multi-polar world. Closely aligned with Russia and China. Both countries have well established red lines, that could start a war. No more regime change, no more invasions on fake-news using weapons-of-mass-destruction (or chemicals). This is why others like Venezuela are flexing the muscles. Going out and standing to say hello. Getting ready for what some perceive as “inevitable”: more wars.
It is uncertain how it will unfold. Do remember a comment from a “visionary” decades ago. Telling me about a vision of war in which mainly the chinese were fighting. Russia being the key actor to end the conflict. Peacemaking again one assumes. Decades ago the plot was obscure. Now there is one: Taiwan 2020 vote for independence at United Nations. A key conflict in the near future. The US recognizes Taiwan independence (and willing to defend it). China warning no one can slice the territory away; willing to invade Taiwan to ensure it stays within. Therefore a place to look after. For a potential incident and/or conflict.