Venezuelan Air Forces’ General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon. Photo: Chris Lofting/Wikipedia/File photo.
Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—The United States said Thursday that two Venezuelan military aircraft flew near a US warship in what it described as “a highly provocative action.” The accusation comes despite a fleet of US warships currently deployed on the shores of Venezuela.
“Today, two Maduro-regime [sic] military aircraft flew near a US Navy vessel in international waters,” the US Department of Defense wrote in a statement. “This highly provocative move was designed to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations.” The statement did not mention that according to UN reports, Venezuela is among the countries in the hemisphere with the strongest record in eliminating drug trafficking.
“The cartel running Venezuela is strongly advised not to pursue any further efforts to obstruct, deter, or interfere with counter-narcotics and counter-terror operations carried out by the US military,” the US statement continued.
Another Gulf of Tonkin incident being hatched? DoD just oozing with murderous imperialist arrogance. "The cartel running Vzla", not even US agencies believe that. On the other hand, there's no bigger transnational crime organization than the US govt https://t.co/FqkBidW2m7
— Venezuelanalysis (@venanalysis) September 5, 2025
Venezuela reportedly used F-16 fighter jets in the maneuver, which targeted the USS Jason Dunham. The Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided-missile destroyer is part of a fleet of eight US warships and one nuclear submarine deployed near Venezuelan territorial waters. The US has simultaneously raised the bounty for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to US $50 million.
Venezuelan authorities have not commented on the incident despite intense military mobilization within the country, including the activation on Friday of its five-million-member Bolivarian Militia.
US preparing to escalate
US President Donald Trump warned Friday that he would shoot down Venezuelan military aircraft after the reported incident.
“I have to say they’re going to be in trouble,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked what would happen if Venezuelan planes flew over US “security zones”—a term he did not define. “We’ll let you know about it. We heard it happened, but it didn’t end, not the way they’re describing it.”
During a press conference, Trump authorized General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to “act as he wishes” if Venezuela flies over any US “security zones.”
“Yes, sir,” the general replied.
“If they put us in a dangerous situation, they will be shot down,” Trump confirmed, without acknowledging that the US military is the party seen as threatening Venezuela.
The incident follows Trump’s announcement Tuesday that a US strike had targeted a “drug ship” he claimed had set sail from Venezuela, killing 11 unidentified people. The target was later confirmed to be a very small boat, marking an unprecedented escalation of violence in the region.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated—while dismissing United Nations reports that show Venezuela represents a very small fraction of drug trafficking in the region—that drug seizures had not deterred cartels. What will stop them, he asserted, is “blowing them up.”
US F-35s deployed to Puerto Rico
The US also ordered the deployment of 10 F-35 fighter jets to an airfield in Puerto Rico, increasing the already large US military presence in the southern Caribbean following unprecedented deployments in recent days.
According to two official sources cited by Reuters on Friday, the movement is intended to carry out operations against drug cartels and designated narco-terrorist organizations that, according to the US, operate in the area. The planes are expected to arrive late next week.
The alarm had already escalated in Latin America and the Caribbean with a statement signed by a majority of member countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
More US aircraft arrive in Panama
Simultaneously, nine US Southern Command aircraft arrived in Panama on Friday, allegedly as part of a new phase of joint military exercises with local forces. The arrival comes amid opposition from various sectors of Panamanian society to the presence of foreign troops in the country and ongoing US military threats against Venezuela.
According to official information from the Panamanian National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), the maneuvers, known as Panamax Alpha-Phase II, will take place between September 5 and 15. The operation will involve five Joint Task Force-Bravo aircraft, including two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and three CH-47 Chinooks, commonly used for tactical troop and cargo transport.
SENAN stated the purpose of these exercises is to “strengthen the operational capabilities of Panamanian state security forces for the protection of the Panama Canal.”
However, various Panamanian social organizations have expressed concern about the growing US military involvement. The National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (Frenadeso) and the Victoriano Lorenzo Coordinator pointed out that these movements respond to a memorandum of understanding signed in April between the Panamanian government and the US Department of Defense. They warn that the agreement deviates from the 1977 neutrality treaties and represents a threat to national sovereignty.
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
OT/JRE/SL
