In a Thursday statement, the United States Coast Guard reported that it detected a Russian naval ship approximately 15 miles south of Oahu (24 km), near U.S. territory waters.

The Coast Guard reported that a Coast Guard aircraft and cutter responded to the Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary general Intelligence Ship Kareliya.

The Coast Guard stated that "acting in accordance to international law, Coast Guard staff are monitoring the Russian ship's activities near U.S. territory waters in order to provide maritime safety for U.S. ships operating in the region and to support U.S. Homeland Defense efforts."

According to the Coast Guard, international law allows foreign military vessels to "transit and conduct operations outside of other nations' territories seas which extend up 12 nautical miles away from shore."

The Russian Embassy in Washington has not responded to an immediate request for comment. (Reporting and editing by Tom Hogue; Christian Martinez)

(source: Reuters)