Russian spy plane operates in Pentagon area

(Baonghean.vn)- On August 9, local time, two US officials announced that a Russian spy plane had flown over Washington's security airspace in the area of ​​the Pentagon, Congress and government buildings. Accordingly, the Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft of the Russian Air Force flew into the airspace of the Open Skies Treaty, which Russia, the US and 32 other countries signed.

The US State Department said the treaty sets out criteria for countries to conduct unarmed observation flights over the territories of treaty member states, in an effort to promote transparency and international arms control.

Image of the Pentagon in Washington. Photo: AP

Capitol Police issued an alert on August 9, warning that a “low-flying aircraft” would enter restricted airspace between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time. The alert did not specify the country of origin of the aircraft, but said it was “large and could fly directly over the Capitol area.”

The warning concluded: "This flight will be closely monitored by Capitol Hill police and federal government agencies." An unnamed US Defense Department official confirmed that this was a Russian flight and operating in an area specified in the treaty.

Russia wants to conduct more reconnaissance flights over US airspace. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, CNN reported that following the above flight, another flight is expected on the night of August 9, flying over President Donald Trump's residence in Bedminster, NJ, where he is vacationing. According to the Open Skies Treaty, American pilots must be present on Russian aircraft when conducting such flights.

However, Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, argued that Russia could exploit the treaty. Last year, he warned the US House Armed Services subcommittee of growing threats and proposed denying Russian flights over US airspace under the treaty./.

Lan Ha

(According to SCMP)