DOD issues warning, says 2 Venezuelan planes flew near Navy ship
Share this @internewscast.com

On Thursday, two Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets conducted a flyover of a U.S. Navy destroyer stationed in the Caribbean, according to a U.S. official speaking to Reuters. This move prompted the U.S. to issue a strong warning to Venezuela against disrupting its growing military activities in the region.

The flyover took place in international waters, as reported by the Pentagon, adding to the mounting tensions days after a U.S. operation resulted in the death of 11 individuals on a Venezuelan vessel. President Trump claimed the ship was involved in narcotics trafficking.

Despite the Trump administration’s assertions that it has the legal grounds to target alleged affiliates of the Tren de Aragua criminal network, which was labeled a terrorist group by Washington earlier in the year, legal analysts have questioned the legitimacy of the attack.

The Pentagon, in a brief statement outlining the incident, likened Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s regime to a drug-smuggling operation, an accusation rejected by Caracas. Trump has held Maduro responsible for directing the Tren de Aragua.

“Today, two aircraft operated by the Maduro regime approached a U.S. Navy ship in international waters,” stated the Pentagon, branding the action as “highly provocative.”

“The Venezuelan administration, labeled a cartel, is firmly cautioned against any attempts to impede, threaten, or interfere with U.S. military operations focused on countering narcotics and terrorism.”

Venezuela’s Communications Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Venezuelan military aircraft were F-16s and that they flew over the USS Jason Dunham.

The Dunham is one of at least seven U.S. warships deployed to the Caribbean, carrying more than 4,500 sailors and Marines, in a military buildup that has drawn concern from Caracas.

U.S. Marines and sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit have also been carrying out amphibious training and flight operations in southern Puerto Rico.

Trump’s decision to blow up a suspected drug vessel passing through the Caribbean, instead of seizing the vessel and apprehending its crew, is highly unusual and evokes memories of the U.S. fight against militant groups like al Qaeda.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strike in comments to reporters earlier on Thursday and vowed such activities would continue, citing the threat that illegal narcotics pose to public health in the United States.

“The poisoning of the American people is over,” Hegseth said.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, condemned what she called Trump’s “lawless” actions in the southern Caribbean.

“Congress has not declared war on Venezuela, or Tren de Aragua, and the mere designation of a group as a terrorist organization does not give any President carte blanche to ignore Congress’s clear Constitutional authority on matters of war and peace,” Omar said in a statement.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Shipley’s 45-Yard Field Goal in Overtime Secures Texas Victory Over Kentucky, 16-13

LEXINGTON, Ky. – In an intense overtime showdown, Mason Shipley successfully kicked…

New Documents on Epstein Unveiled by House Panel: What You Need to Know

The House Oversight Committee has unveiled new documents related to the criminal…

Suspects in Immigration Detention Center Shooting Charged with Terrorism: Latest Developments

Two individuals apprehended in connection with a shooting incident in July at…

NewsNation Collaborates with ICE for In-depth Coverage of Portland Operations

PORTLAND, Ore. – The city is at the forefront of witnessing the…

No Kings’ Organizer Assures Peaceful Nature of Upcoming Anti-Trump Rallies

One of the key figures behind the upcoming “No Kings” rallies appeared…

Urbana Hosts Inspiring Event to Honor Survivors for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the…

Blind Artist Defies Odds by Mastering Tattoo Artistry

POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) — Despite being legally blind, Nicole Morrone brings vibrant…

US Raises Alarm on Hamas’s Potential Threat to Palestinian Civilians Amid Gaza Ceasefire

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Saturday, the U.S. State Department reported…

Local Legend Electrifies Audience at Sold-Out Temptations Concert

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A delightful surprise unfolded at the State Farm Center…

Tragic Morning Collision in Decatur Claims One Life

A tragic accident in Decatur, Illinois, claimed the life of a young…

Trump Announces Return of Strike Survivors to Ecuador and Colombia from Suspected Drug Vessel

WASHINGTON – Two individuals who survived a recent U.S. military strike on…

Controversial Artillery Plans During Vance Visit Sparks Tension with California’s Newsom

A plan to conduct a live artillery exercise over a major highway…