Venezuela on Friday accused the United States, of violating its airspace, in what it said was a “blatant provocation,” warning it would “respond forcefully” to any maneuver it saw as an act of aggression.
By Digital Journal
Jul 23, 2021
The incident came as the Colombian and US militaries took part in exercises near Venezuela’s Caribbean coastline.
Venezuela reported that a US “type C-17 heavy military transport” crossed into its airspace late Thursday for “a period of three minutes… making a journey of approximately 14 nautical miles,” a defense ministry statement said.
“This blatant provocation took place during joint military exercises by the Colombian Air Force and Army in the Departments of Antioquia and Cundinamarca, respectively, in which there is also a presence of American F-16 and RC135 fighter jets for strategic exploration,” it added.
On July 16, the Colombian Air Force reported joint military training exercises with the United States “with the objective of improving interoperability with allied countries.”
“We are aware that as part of the aforementioned exercises, reconnaissance tasks are being carried out toward Venezuelan geographic space, which is why we do not rule out other possible hostile actions against our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said the Venezuelan government.
President Nicolas Maduro “has issued precise orders to remain alert and respond forcefully to any act of aggression,” the text warned.
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Read More: Digital Journal – Venezuela says US military jet violated its airspace
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