Tensions Rise as Venezuelan Aircraft Approach US Navy Ship During Drug Operations
A U.S. Navy vessel engaged in counter-drug missions encountered an incursion on Thursday when two military aircraft from Venezuela flew over the ship, as reported by the Department of Defense.
The Pentagon labeled the incident as "highly provocative," occurring shortly after U.S. forces targeted a Tren de Aragua smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 traffickers.
"Two military aircraft from the Maduro regime approached a U.S. Navy ship in international waters today," stated the Pentagon. "This provocative action was aimed at disrupting our counter-narcotics efforts."
The aircraft reportedly involved were armed F-16 fighter jets. It has been confirmed that the USS Jason Dunham, an Aegis-guided missile destroyer, was the vessel experiencing the incident.
An official Pentagon response to inquiries has not been received at this time.
In response to drug smuggling activities, the Navy deployed eight ships, including three guided missile destroyers, to the Caribbean last month.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration designated the Venezuelan gangs Tren de Aragua and Cartel de Los Soles as foreign terrorist organizations.
U.S. officials have accused Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, of collaborating with drug cartels to smuggle narcotics laced with fentanyl into the United States.
Last month, a $50 million bounty was placed on Maduro by the Justice Department due to his alleged ties to the drug trade.
"He is among the world’s largest drug traffickers and poses a significant threat to our national security," stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Recently, Maduro characterized the U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean as the "greatest threat seen on our continent in the last century" and accused the U.S. of attempting to instigate regime change in Venezuela.
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