The Department of Defense warned Venezuela after two of its armed F-16 fighter jets flew near the USS Jason Dunham in international waters on Thursday.
The incident comes just days after U.S. forces struck a Venezuelan drug boat in the Caribbean and deployed multiple Navy vessels to the region as part of a crackdown on cartels.
Pentagon Statement
“Today, two Maduro regime military aircraft flew near a U.S. Navy vessel in international waters,” the Pentagon said.
“This highly provocative move was designed to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations. The cartel running Venezuela is strongly advised not to pursue any further effort to obstruct, deter or interfere with counter-narcotics and counter-terror operations carried out by the U.S. military.”
U.S. Buildup
At least eight U.S. Navy ships have been sent near Venezuela.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the deployments mark “the first time in the modern era” the United States is “truly on the offense” against drug cartels.
Venezuelan Response
President Nicolás Maduro vowed defiance, calling Venezuelans “warriors” and warning they would respond with “maximum rebellion” to any U.S. incursion.
He also sought to distance Trump from Rubio’s actions: “Mr. President, Donald Trump, watch out, because Mr. Rubio wants to stain your hands with blood.”
