Tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated this week as President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Venezuelan forces. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said that if Venezuelan jets fly over US naval vessels and “put us in a dangerous position, they’ll be shot down.”
The warning follows reports that Venezuelan military aircraft approached a US vessel off South America for the second time in two days, according to US officials cited by CBS News. These incidents come on the heels of a US strike on what Trump officials described as a “drug-carrying vessel from Venezuela” operated by a gang, resulting in the deaths of 11 people.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded by urging respect and dialogue, saying that differences between the two nations do not justify military conflict. “Venezuela has always been willing to talk, to engage in dialogue, but we demand respect,” Maduro stated.
Trump, meanwhile, framed the US military buildup in the southern Caribbean as part of a broader anti-drug strategy. He confirmed the deployment of 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico and additional naval forces, including thousands of Marines and sailors, to curb drug trafficking. “We’re strong on drugs. We don’t want drugs killing our people,” Trump said.
The US president has consistently targeted Maduro, accusing him of overseeing large-scale drug trafficking and increasing the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million. Maduro has repeatedly dismissed these claims and accused the US of seeking regime change through military threats.
Trump emphasized the threat posed by Venezuelan gangs such as Tren de Aragua, labeled a terrorist organization by the US, which he claims operate within US borders. He also described Venezuela’s recent election as “very strange,” following Maduro’s controversial swearing-in for a third term in January.
As tensions simmer, the situation in the Caribbean remains closely monitored, with both nations maintaining firm stances over military posturing and ongoing allegations of drug trafficking.
