US Intercepts Russian Jets, Bombers in Air Defense Zone

Two Russian Bear Bombers accompanied by Su-35 fighter jets were intercepted by U.S. Air Force stealth fighters on routine patrol as they flew into Alaska’s Air Defense Zone late Wednesday and early Thursday.

The Russian jets stayed in international airspace, Fox News reported, but it is the fifth time Russian bombers have flown close to Alaska in recent months and the first time they were escorted by fighter jets.

U.S. officials confirmed to CBS' David Martin that the escort did take place, characterizing it as a safe and professional interaction.

Officials said the frequent patrols may have restarted because of the Trump administration’s Syrian missile strike in April, or because the bombers, which have been out for repairs for the last two years and recently came back into service, are training, CBS reported.

The U.S. and Russian presidents spoke by phone Tuesday in a conversation that focused around North Korea and the Middle East. A readout described the conversation as “a very good one,” according to ABC News.

The two leaders plan to meet in July in Hamburg, Germany, at an international summit, CBS reported. President Donald Trump had declared in April that U.S.-Russian relations may be at an “all-time low” after the U.S. missile strike on Syria, a Russian ally.

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster told Fox News he didn’t think relations had gotten better or worse, however.

• Russian Bombers Fly Near Alaska in Fourth Incident in Four Days
• Russia Bombers: Alaska Again Buzzed, Making 2 Days in a Row