Russian sub navigates between Japan's islands, raises alarms
A Russian submarine passed through the waters between Japan's islands for the first time on Tuesday, Japan's Ministry of Defense reported, emphasizing the significance of this event for the region's security.
9:24 AM EST, December 3, 2024
Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that a Russian submarine passed through the waters between the islands of Yonaguni and Iriomote in the Okinawa Prefecture. This is the first occurrence of its kind, prompting a strong reaction from Japan's defense forces.
The Russian rescue tug Altay and a Kilo-class submarine traveled northeast, about 31 miles south of Yonaguni Island. According to the Japanese ministry, the Kremlin's vessels were heading towards the East China Sea.
Russian submarine between Japanese islands; Japan concerned
Philippine Navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed that a Kilo-class unit surfaced on November 28, around 92 miles west of Cape Calavite in the western province of Occidental Mindoro, which is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
The crew did not explain why they were in the area. They only stated that they were "waiting for better weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia."
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the presence of the Russian vessel in the area as "very concerning." The waters where the Russian vessels were seen are a disputed area, with China also claiming rights to it.
