Yesterday, Pentagon spokesman Commander Gary Ross announced that two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft had intercepted two Russian Tupolev TU-95 bombers 160 kilometers off Alaska's Kodiak Island.

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Ross stated that the stealth fighters escorted the Russian long-range bombers for 12 minutes before heading back to their base. He added that the intercept was "safe and professional" and there was no violation of U.S. airspace or any international norms. The Pentagon spokesman added that although there was no evidence to inform that the TU-95s were armed, they are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The bomber's NATO reporting name is "Bear."

Considering the U.S. and Russia are currently at odds over Syria and a range of other issues, the long-range bombers flying near Alaska is viewed as a sign of continued tension. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered two U.S. Navy destroyers to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea at Syria’s al-Shayrat airfield. This was in retaliation for an alleged chemical incident that American authorities have blamed on the Syrian Air Force.