Venezuelan Navy marine patrol vessel AB Guaiqueri (PO-11). Photo: FANB/File photo.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino LĂłpez has reported that the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) has intercepted a foreign vessel in Venezuelan waters, “50 miles from the Orinoco Delta.”
Minister LĂłpez explained this Wednesday, June 18, that the incident was suspicious because it occurred in “undeniably Venezuelan waters, on a gray-painted vessel bearing military insignia, even though it is not military.”
The senior military commander stated that the vessel was apparently conducting “scientific research in our exclusive economic zone,” and warned that such vessels “are already reaching the mouth of the Orinoco River.” Padrino expressed the threat to Venezuela, asking, “Are we going to allow this?”
The incident occurred in an area east of Venezuela, just miles from the Essequibo territory and near Trinidad and Tobago, a country that recently threatened Venezuela with “lethal weapons” against any maritime incursion.
Facing these circumstances, the Bolivarian Navy took decisive action by towing the vessel to a Venezuelan port for a comprehensive inspection, despite initial resistance from the crew. The operation has underscored Venezuela’s firm commitment to upholding its maritime sovereignty, and highlights the unwavering resolve of its armed forces to safeguard national resources and territorial integrity, reported AVN.
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The military official also celebrated Venezuela’s recent diplomatic victory at the United Nations, to recognize December 4 as a day to condemn Unilateral Coercive Measures.
“Venezuela is being heard around the world, and more than 130 nations voted in favor,” he stated, referring to the decision adopted by the multilateral organization last Monday.
Padrino also recognized and honoured more than 332 officers of the FANB who were coming to the end of 30 years of service, presenting them with the General Rafael Urdaneta Military Order, from the 1992 class of the Venezuelan Military Academy, “… an order that took 30 years of good service, loyalty and strength to earn.”
(Ăšltimas Noticias) with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/AU
