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  • Venez. accuses US of violating airspace

    US 'violated Venezuelan airspace'

    Venezuela has denounced an alleged violation of its airspace by an American military aircraft.

    Defence Minister Gustavo Rangel said the jet had been tracked by country's air defences over the Venezuelan-owned island of La Orchila on Saturday.

    He said the US ambassador would be summoned to provide an explanation.

    Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a fierce critic of Washington, has in the past accused the US administration of destabilising his country.

    Mr Rangel told a news conference that the US aircraft "practically flew over" La Orchila - where Venezuela has a military base - and another island before turning back.

    "We ordered the airplane to identify itself," he added.

    "We have recorded proof of the conversation between ground control in Venezuela and the aircraft pilot."

    The pilot is reported to have said he was on a training exercise and was unaware that he had entered Venezuelan airspace.

    Incursion claim

    Asked about the allegation, US embassy spokeswoman Robin Holzhauer told the Associated Press news agency: "We're looking into any possible accidental incursion of Venezuelan airspace."

    Mr Rangel said the incident was "the latest step in a series of provocations" by the US.

    The BBC's James Ingham in Caracas says it comes at a time of increased tension in the region, with both the US and Colombia accusing Venezuela of financing the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).

    Last week Interpol confirmed that computer evidence found by Colombian soldiers during a raid on a Farc camp showed no sign of tampering.

    Colombia says various documents proved that Venezuela has funded the rebels. Mr Chavez insists he never provided any support.

    Venezuela's accusations against the US come two days after a similar claim was made against Colombia.

    The Bogota government denied that its troops had crossed into Venezuelan territory on Friday.

    Our correspondent says the latest row will further increase tension between Venezuela and two countries which it clearly sees as enemies.
    BBC NEWS | Americas | US 'violated Venezuelan airspace'
    "Every man has his weakness. Mine was always just cigarettes."

  • #2
    I can just picture Defence Minister Gustavo Rangel, with the aid of El President`e Hugo Chavez shaking their fists in the air as they discover SAM,who couldn't be found anywhere,was not the name of the dude supposed to fire the missiles.

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    • #3
      Anyone here on WAB work or have familiarity with the DEA and its operations in South America? I know that the DEA was kicked out of Venezuela which up until that point the DEA had catre blanche in surveilance opeations.

      Considering Mr. Chavez's alleged links with drug dealing FARC members he is probably extremely nervous about DEA operations in the area.

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      • #4
        If they are able to prove (which they claim they can on both sides) that Chavez aides FARC then it really wont matter what he says. They are on the terrorism list so they will more then likely ignore him and his drivel and continue on.;)
        Fortitude.....The strength to persist...The courage to endure.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Dreadnought View Post
          If they are able to prove (which they claim they can on both sides) that Chavez aides FARC then it really wont matter what he says. They are on the terrorism list so they will more then likely ignore him and his drivel and continue on.;)

          I think the US will pressure Colombia not to release that information if it is true. The US especially now needs to keep importing oil from Venezuela and if Chavez is sponsoring terrorism then it puts the US in a hell of bind.

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          • #6
            Interpol

            Cat's out of the bag w/ the INTERPOL confirmation mentioned in the article.
            "This aggression will not stand, man!" Jeff Lebowski
            "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." Lester Bangs

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Druze View Post
              I think the US will pressure Colombia not to release that information if it is true. The US especially now needs to keep importing oil from Venezuela and if Chavez is sponsoring terrorism then it puts the US in a hell of bind.
              Druze, The top three countries the US imports oil from are:

              The Saudies
              Canada
              Mexico

              Chavez and Venezuala come in 4-5. The US would not be in any kind of bind without Chavez. In fact his own country would not be in a bind without Chavez and if the little yippie dog continues his path in the future it might be more then just recon flights flying over "his" country.;)
              Fortitude.....The strength to persist...The courage to endure.

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