A routine flight from the Caribbean island of Curaçao nearly turned catastrophic when a JetBlue airliner came within a hair's breadth of colliding with a US Air Force jet.
The pilot’s voice, captured in a chilling audio recording, reveals the immediate danger: “They passed directly in our flight path… They don’t have their transponder turned on. It’s outrageous… We almost had a mid-air collision.” The quick thinking of the flight crew and an immediate altitude adjustment averted disaster.
Air traffic control confirmed the unsettling detail – the military aircraft’s transponder was deactivated, rendering it virtually invisible to civilian radar systems. This lack of identification created a perilous situation where collision avoidance relied solely on visual contact and the pilot’s swift reaction.
While the Air Force plane was likely engaged in mid-air refueling, a common practice, the decision to operate without a functioning transponder in shared airspace raised serious questions about protocol and risk assessment. Security concerns often dictate such measures, but the potential consequences are immense.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened US military presence in the Caribbean, linked to Operation Southern Command. This operation, fueled by escalating tensions with Venezuela, involves a significant deployment of naval forces and personnel in the region.
Military officials maintain that aircrews adhere to stringent safety procedures, emphasizing that a thorough investigation is underway. However, the near-miss underscores the inherent dangers when military and civilian aircraft operate in close proximity, particularly when identification systems are compromised.
Operation Southern Spear, initiated with the goal of disrupting the flow of illegal drugs from South America, has seen a concentration of US naval power and frequent bomber flights near Venezuelan airspace. The operation reflects a broader strategy to counter what the US government deems a destabilizing influence in the region.
The US government’s stance towards Venezuela centers on its refusal to recognize President Nicolás Maduro as a legitimate leader. Accusations of involvement with drug cartels, specifically the “Cartel of the Suns,” have further intensified the pressure, with some officials alleging ties to terrorist activities.
While Maduro vehemently denies these allegations, the situation remains volatile, with speculation surrounding potential US intervention to instigate regime change. The Caribbean has become a focal point in a complex geopolitical struggle, and this near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved.
