The Pentagon stated that while the USS Jason Dunham was operating in international seas, two Venezuelan F-16 fighter planes flew dangerously close to the ship. The action was characterized as a “highly provocative move” meant to interfere with American counter-drug operations in the area.
Although no combat occurred, U.S. military officials said the jets came within range of weaponry. The Pentagon issued a clear warning that it would not accept any more attempts to obstruct naval operations. The U.S. strike in the southern Caribbean that killed 11 alleged narco-terrorists connected to Venezuelan criminal organizations comes just after Colombia’s aerial overflight.
The United States is bolstering its presence amid escalating tensions by sending F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico and keeping a flotilla of warships in the Caribbean. Senior U.S. defense leadership has issued more warnings, and officials continue to describe the Maduro government’s actions as destabilizing.