US F-16 intercepts aircraft over restricted airspace near Camp David

A NORAD F-16 fighter jet intercepted a general aviation aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Thurmont, in the US state of Maryland, on Saturday morning, while US President Donald Trump was staying at Camp David nearby.

The aircraft was intercepted at around 7.50 am EDT (1150GMT), according to a statement from the 1st Air Force, part of the US Northern Command.

During the intercept, the F-16 deployed flares, which may have been visible to people on the ground. The statement said the flares were used to attract the pilot’s attention or communicate with the aircraft and posed no danger to people on the ground.

The aircraft was safely escorted out of the restricted area by a NORAD aircraft, the statement said.

Trump arrived at the presidential retreat in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains on Friday evening and is expected to remain there through the weekend.

The statement did not indicate that the aircraft posed a threat to Trump or the presidential retreat.