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Venezuela accuses US fighter jets of approaching its coasts
Tensions between Venezuela and the United States escalated further on Thursday after Caracas claimed that five American fighter jets had flown close to its coastal territory. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López denounced what he described as an “imperialist provocation” during a televised address.
According to Venezuelan authorities, the country’s air defense system detected the presence of the aircraft, although no specific details about their maneuvers or altitude were disclosed. The announcement comes just days after President Nicolás Maduro warned he was prepared to declare a nationwide state of emergency in response to US military activity in the Caribbean.
Washington has recently deployed warships and F-35 fighter jets in the region, officially as part of anti-drug operations. The US government accuses Maduro and his inner circle of leading a large-scale narcotics trafficking network that channels drugs into the United States. American officials also reported the destruction of several boats allegedly linked to “narco-terrorist” groups.
Caracas firmly rejects these accusations, framing them as part of a broader campaign of political pressure. In retaliation, the Venezuelan armed forces have launched military exercises and called up reservists. Minister Padrino stressed: “This situation is not only a provocation but also a direct threat to our national security.”