2 Belgian F-16s intercept Russian bombers flying over North Sea

BRUSSELS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Two Belgian F-16s took off from Florennes airbase late Monday morning for an emergency intervention in the Benelux region, Belgian defense authorities announced on social media.

The intervention took place after two Belgian pilots identified Russian planes located in a NATO-controlled airspace over the North Sea.

"Due to a supersonic flight, the Belgian F-16s were able to accomplish their mission by guaranteeing your security," the Belgian Air Force said on Twitter.

The interceptions of long-range Russian bombers by NATO's air raids have increased in recent years, with a resurgence of these flights.

With regard to NATO, the press briefing advises people to contact the national authorities for more information. Since January 2017, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands conduct joint air policing of their territories. Enditem