Venezuela asks U.S. to explain alleged incursion

Updated Mon. May. 19 2008 4:50 PM ET

The Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela's foreign minister says it will summon the U.S. ambassador to explain an alleged incursion by a U.S. military plane in Venezuelan airspace.

Venezuelan Defence Minister Gen. Gustavo Rangel Briceno says the U.S. navy plane was detected in Venezuelan airspace near the Caribbean island of La Orchila.

Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro says U.S. Ambassador Patrick Duddy is being called in to explain the incident Saturday.

Venezuelan officials announced the move today at a news conference where they also expressed concern about an alleged incursion by Colombian troops.

Colombia's defence minister has denied the Venezuelan claim of troops crossing over into the neighbouring country.

Updated Mon. May. 19 2008 4:50 PM ET

The Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela's foreign minister says it will summon the U.S. ambassador to explain an alleged incursion by a U.S. military plane in Venezuelan airspace.

Venezuelan Defence Minister Gen. Gustavo Rangel Briceno says the U.S. navy plane was detected in Venezuelan airspace near the Caribbean island of La Orchila.

Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro says U.S. Ambassador Patrick Duddy is being called in to explain the incident Saturday.

Venezuelan officials announced the move today at a news conference where they also expressed concern about an alleged incursion by Colombian troops.

Colombia's defence minister has denied the Venezuelan claim of troops crossing over into the neighbouring country.