Tensions in the Caribbean continue after Venezuela accused the U.S. of a hostile seizure. Venezuela’s foreign minister claims Americans from a U.S. Navy destroyer illegally boarded a tuna fishing vessel with nine crewmen, calling it a “provocation.”
He displayed photos he claims show U.S. sailors on the vessel and the USS Jason Dunham.
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However, a U.S. official told ABC News that the boarding was part of a drug search based on a tip.
A U.S. Coast Guard team embedded on the destroyer inspected the boat, found no contraband and insisted it only took minutes, not eight hours.
The official also said the vessel was in international waters.
Previous tensions
The clash comes amid a string of incidents in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the Pentagon said Venezuelan fighter jets flew dangerously close to the USS John Dunham
Also, recently, President Donald Trump announced a strike on a drug boat from Venezuela. He said the move killed 11 narco-terrorists from the gang Tren de Aragua.
Caracas called that a lie, saying the strike killed civilians, not gang members.
The strike has recently drawn questions from Congress, as members dispute the consequences and legality of the effort.
In response to U.S. efforts, Venezuela is launching large-scale militia training. Video shows armed volunteers, some senior citizens, handling rifles and even heavy artillery.
The country’s defense minister said the exercises are about “preparing to defend peace” against any U.S. incursion.
Last week, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino also announced Venezuela will deploy 25,000 troops to the border and coastal regions, in an effort to combat drug trafficking.
F-35s arrive in Puerto Rico
Meanwhile, Reuters has reported that five U.S. F-35 stealth jets have landed in Puerto Rico as part of a deployment of ten that Trump ordered to target drug cartels.
The Pentagon won’t confirm details, but says no “force posture change” is being announced.
The F-35s are just some of the military forces in the area. The Pentagon sent three aegis destroyers back in August: the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and USS Sampson.
The USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale are all operating near southern Puerto Rico. Other U.S. vessels tied to the mission include the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie, which recently transited the Panama Canal.
The Trump administration stated that the Navy’s role is to stop cartels from transporting fentanyl and cocaine into the U.S.
Why is the US involved?
The Trump administration said it has ramped up its military efforts in Venezuela in an effort to combat narcotic networks that it links to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
The U.S. Justice Department is currently offering a reward of up to $50 million for Maduro’s capture, and $15 million for Padrino.
