The United States has sent a message to China: Stop shining lasers at our military aircraft in Djibouti.
- Two C-130 pilots have suffered minor injuries after military grade lasers were pointed at their aircraft from a Chinese military base in Djibouti, said Air Force Maj. Sheryl Klinkel, a Pentagon spokeswoman. The United States has lodged a complaint with the Chinese government and asked that it investigate the incidents, which have occurred over the past few weeks, she said.
- “This activity poses a true threat to our airmen,” Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White told reporters on Thursday. “Our concern is the safety of our service members, and so we have raised the issue with China and we expect China to investigate it.”
- Speaking at the Pentagon’s weekly news conference, White said that military officials are “confident” that the Chinese are behind the laser incidents in Djibouti. The overall number of incidents is relatively small – between two and 10 – but their frequency has increased recently, she said.
- “It’s serious and we take it seriously,” White said.
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