President Donald Trump has warned that if Venezuelan jets fly over US naval ships and put us in a dangerous position, they'll be shot down. His warning follows recent incidents of Venezuelan military aircraft approaching US vessels near South America, as reported by US officials to CBS News. This escalation comes after a US strike on a boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking from Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has refuted claims made by the US, asserting that these tensions do not justify military actions.
Maduro claimed that Venezuela is open to dialogue but expects respect from the US. When asked about the potential consequences of Venezuelan jets flying over US ships again, Trump warned that Venezuela would be in trouble. He indicated that military responses are at his generals' discretion.
Since returning to office, Trump has intensified efforts against drug trafficking in Latin America, claiming that drugs are illegally entering the US from Venezuela. In response, the US has bolstered military presence in the Caribbean, deploying additional naval units and fighter jets.
Maduro has previously accused the US of aiming for regime change through military intimidation. Trump has also criticized Maduro's leadership, suggesting that he is one of the world's largest drug traffickers and increasing the reward for information on him. The US government's concerns about drug trafficking and corruption in Venezuela continue to influence military and foreign policy in the region.
Maduro claimed that Venezuela is open to dialogue but expects respect from the US. When asked about the potential consequences of Venezuelan jets flying over US ships again, Trump warned that Venezuela would be in trouble. He indicated that military responses are at his generals' discretion.
Since returning to office, Trump has intensified efforts against drug trafficking in Latin America, claiming that drugs are illegally entering the US from Venezuela. In response, the US has bolstered military presence in the Caribbean, deploying additional naval units and fighter jets.
Maduro has previously accused the US of aiming for regime change through military intimidation. Trump has also criticized Maduro's leadership, suggesting that he is one of the world's largest drug traffickers and increasing the reward for information on him. The US government's concerns about drug trafficking and corruption in Venezuela continue to influence military and foreign policy in the region.
