Venezuelan F-16 Fighters Fly Over US Ship in Provocative Flight.

Conflict Between the US and Venezuela Escalates

According to The Sun: Two Venezuelan F-16 fighters flew over an American military ship just days after Donald Trump announced a major drug war.

The White House characterized this move as 'extremely provocative', given the heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela.

The fighters flew at low altitude over the USS Jason Dunham destroyer, according to information from White House officials.

The US Department of Defense stated:

“Today, two military aircraft of the Maduro regime approached a US Navy ship in international waters. This is a highly provocative act aimed at interfering with our drug enforcement operations.”

They also warned cartels against further attempts to interfere with their military presence.

The F-16 fighters can achieve speeds of up to 1,319 miles per hour and are equipped with lethal missiles and a six-barrel cannon. The USS Jason Dunham, in turn, weighs 9,200 tons and also has missile and artillery armament.

Just three days after this, Trump detained drug ships, resulting in the deaths of 11 people he referred to as members of the drug cartel trying to smuggle drugs into the US. Trump noted:

“On board were large quantities of drugs that harm many people.”

Trump also added:

“When they see this video, they will say: let's not do this again.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized after the attack:

“We have resources in the air, on the water, and aboard ships. This is a serious mission for us, and it will not end with just this attack.”

Lawyers raised questions about the legality of the strike on the vessel, but Trump defended his actions, claiming that his decision to designate this group as terrorist grants him the necessary authority.

The US also plans to send 10 fighters to Puerto Rico as part of Trump's intensified anti-drug campaign. Washington has already sent over 4,000 troops and three American destroyers to the waters around Latin America and the Caribbean.

Trump suspects President Maduro of supporting drug cartels, and tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to rise against the backdrop of increased military presence from both countries in the region.