MIAMI, Fla. — A U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II aircraft, flying a mission in approved international airspace on July 19, was approached in an unprofessional manner by a SU-30 Flanker Venezuelan fighter aircraft, according to the U.S. Southern Command.
“After reviewing video documentation, we have determined the Russian-made fighter aggressively shadowed the EP-3 at an unsafe distance in international airspace for a prolonged period of time, endangering the safety of the crew and jeopardizing the EP-3 mission,” according to a July 21 release from Southern Command.
“The U.S. routinely conducts regionally supported, multinationally recognized and approved detection and monitoring missions in the region to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and those of our partners. The EP-3 aircraft was adhering to international standards and rules.” “The Maduro regime continues to undermine internationally recognized laws and demonstrate its contempt for international agreements authorizing the U.S. and other nations to safely conduct flights in international airspace,” according to the release.
