Venezuela Condemns US Military Flybys as "Harassment" and Threat to National Security:

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated once again, as the Venezuelan government accuses the US of military harassment and violating the security of the region. On Thursday, Venezuela’s Defense Minister, General Vladimir Padrino, strongly criticized what he described as an "illegal incursion" by US warplanes flying near the country’s borders. Speaking at an airbase and addressing both national and international audiences, General Padrino revealed that at least five US F-35 stealth fighter jets had been detected near Venezuela’s Caribbean coast. The aircraft were reportedly picked up by Venezuela’s air defense systems, air traffic control at Maiquetía International Airport, and even a commercial airline operating in the area. “This is nothing but a vulgar provocation,” Padrino declared. “The presence of these planes flying so close to our Caribbean Sea is a direct threat to the sovereignty and security of the Venezuelan nation.” He added that this act of military pressure would not intimidate Venezuela or its people. “We’re watching them,” he said. “And I want the people to know that this doesn’t scare us.” According to official reports, the US fighter jets came as close as 75 kilometers (about 47 miles) from Venezuela’s coastline. While this distance does not breach Venezuela’s official airspace — which extends 22 kilometers, or about 12 nautical miles, off its coast — Venezuelan authorities insist the proximity still violates international norms and endangers civilian aviation in the region. In a joint statement issued by Venezuela’s Foreign and Defense Ministries, the government condemned the US over its aggressive actions in the Caribbean. The statement also urged US leaders to halt what it called "reckless, thrill-seeking, and warmongering" behavior that disrupts regional peace. The ministries specifically called out US Secretary of War Peter Hegseth, a figure not officially recognized in the US administration, for allegedly escalating tensions in the region. At the time of writing, the Pentagon has not commented on the accusations, though media reports in the US suggest that President Donald Trump has recently notified Congress that the US is now engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” against Latin American drug cartels. This shift means that individuals involved in drug trafficking could now be classified as “unlawful combatants,” marking a significant change in US foreign policy in the region. The US has previously justified its military presence in the Caribbean by citing efforts to curb drug trafficking. Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration has deployed a large number of military assets to Latin America, including eight US warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and several F-35 jets, now stationed in Puerto Rico, a US territory in the region. This is being described as one of the most significant US military deployments in Latin America in recent history. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and senior officials argue that the anti-narcotics operation is merely a cover for a broader attempt to destabilize the country and push for regime change. Maduro condemned the recent US airstrikes on boats off the Venezuelan coast, which were reportedly linked to drug trafficking, but which also resulted in 14 deaths. Human rights groups and independent experts have raised concerns over the legality of these operations, suggesting they may amount to extrajudicial killings. Venezuela insists it wants peace, stability, and the right to govern without foreign interference. Officials say the US actions threaten not only Venezuelan sovereignty but also the broader peace and safety of the Caribbean region. As of now, the international community is watching closely, with rising concern that the escalating rhetoric and military activity could lead to further confrontation.

NEWS