OREANDA-NEWS Two TU-160 and AN-124 and Il-62 Russian Space Forces made a transatlantic flight and landed at the international airport of Maiquetia.

"December 10, 2018, two strategic missile TU-160 Air and Space Forces arrive in the international airport of Maiquetia the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," the defense Ministry said.

The aircraft covered more than ten thousand kilometers. Their route ran over the waters of the Atlantic ocean, Barents, Norwegian and Caribbean seas. In some parts of the way the TU-160 fighter jets escorted the Norwegian air force F-16.

The Russian defense Ministry stressed that the flight takes place in full accordance with international law. The meeting ceremony was attended by Venezuelan Defence Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez and representatives of the Russian Embassy.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu last week expressed the hope that the flights of aviation VKS on Venezuelan airfields will continue, and the Navy ships will enter the ports of the South American Republic."I think we will continue this practice. Moreover, it is for the benefit of both Venezuela and Russia," Shoigu said at a meeting with Lopez.

According to the Russian Minister, the soldiers have the opportunity to gain important experience for aviation long-haul flights and maintain equipment in good combat condition. The Ministry of defense of Venezuela reports that Russian aircraft will participate in joint operational flights.

In turn, US Secretary of state Michael Pompeo, called sending Russian bombers in Venezuela, "squandering public funds": " The Russian and Venezuelan people should see this for what it is: two corrupt governments squandering public funds, and squelching liberty and freedom while their people suffer.," wrote Pompeo in Twitter account.