Venezuela criticizes deployment of US F-35 fighter jets near its coastline.
Venezuela’s government has sharply condemned what it describes as an “illegal incursion” by United States military aircraft, asserting that this action threatens the security and sovereignty of the South American nation. The remarks came following the detection of multiple U.S. F-35 fighter jets operating near Venezuela’s coastal waters. General Vladimir Padrino, Venezuela’s Defence Minister, accused the U.S. of “military harassment,” characterizing the presence of these aircraft as a provocative act indicative of “U.S. imperialism.”
Speaking to the media from an airbase, Padrino emphasized that the Venezuelan people remain undeterred by this military exertion. He asserted that such actions reflect poorly on the United States, labelling the planes’ proximity to Venezuela’s Caribbean Sea as both an affront and a direct threat to national security. “The people of Venezuela desire peace, work, and happiness,” he eloquently stated, voicing a call for international awareness regarding the situation.
Venezuelan authorities reported that the U.S. aircraft were identified approximately 75 kilometers from its shores, a point that sparked discussions on whether these actions violated national airspace, which typically extends about 22 kilometers offshore. Regardless, the Venezuelan foreign and defense ministries condemned the United States for disregarding international norms, claiming that such maneuvers jeopardize not only national security but also civil aviation safety in the broader Caribbean region.
In light of escalating tensions, Venezuela urged U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth to abandon what they characterized as a “thrill-seeking and warmongering posture.” This call reflects Venezuela’s broader appeal for regional peace and stability, emphasizing its commitment to diplomatic resolution and cooperation over conflict.
This situation underscores an increasing strain in U.S.-Venezuela relations, particularly following recent military deployments and operations that the U.S. administration has labeled as efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. Critics of these operations include Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has accused the U.S. of seeking regime change under the guise of anti-drug efforts.
As international scrutiny mounts, the response from the Pentagon regarding these accusations has been awaited yet remains uncommunicated. The implications of this ongoing conflict continue to resonate, not only in political arenas but also among the citizens of nations affected.
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