Venezuela Accuses US Destroyer For Hostile Boarding Of Vessel With 18 Armed Agents

Venezuela has accused the United States of illegally boarding and occupying a fishing vessel in its Special Economic Zone, intensifying already strained relations between the two countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the U.S. destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) intercepted a tuna fishing vessel on Friday.

According to the ministry, the destroyer deployed 18 armed agents who boarded the boat and occupied it for eight hours. Officials described the vessel as harmless and said it was manned by nine “humble” fishermen. The ministry called the action a “direct provocation” and an “illegal use of excessive military means.”

Foreign Minister Yván Gil read the statement, adding that the U.S. ship was equipped with cruise missiles and operated by highly trained marines. Venezuela demanded that the U.S. stop targeting Venezuelan vessels, warning that such actions threaten the peace and security of the Caribbean.

The incident occurred days after a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean killed 11 Venezuelans and sank a boat. The Trump administration claimed the vessel carried drugs and Tren de Aragua gang members but provided no evidence.

Venezuelan officials rejected this, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello saying none of the victims were traffickers and calling it a “murder committed against citizens using lethal force.”

The White House defended the strike. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly called the victims “evil Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists” and argued that Nicolás Maduro was “not the legitimate president of Venezuela” but a fugitive. While some countries do not recognise Maduro’s presidency over alleged unfair elections, U.S. intelligence says it found no evidence linking his government to drug trafficking.

In response to the latest incident, President Maduro announced the deployment of troops, police, and civilian militias to 284 “battlefront” locations across the country. Speaking from Ciudad Caribia, he said Venezuela was prepared to defend its waters and “ready for an armed fight, if necessary.”

The United States has also increased its presence in the region. Warships have been moved into the southern Caribbean, and 10 F-35 fighter jets have been stationed in Puerto Rico.

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have been escalating for months. In August, the U.S. doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, accusing him of criminal and drug trafficking ties. Caracas has rejected the charges, insisting Venezuela is not a drug-producing nation.

References: Al Jazeera, Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News