Two military planes from Venezuela flew over an American ship in the Caribbean Sea, provoking a new wave of tension between the countries. According to the Pentagon, this action was a response to the US attack on a speedboat that was reportedly carrying drugs.
«This extremely provocative maneuver was aimed at disrupting our drug enforcement operations,» the Pentagon stated.
After the US attack on the vessel, which was allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela, all 11 people on board were killed. This move sparked outrage in the country and abroad due to the casualties among civilians. The US has now sent several ships to the Caribbean Sea with the aim of combating drug trafficking.
Maduro Mobilized Military Reserves
On the same day that the planes flew by, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for military reservists and militia members to mobilize to their local military units. This occurred after Secretary of State Mike Rubio visited Ecuador to support the aggressive US policy towards Venezuela. Rubio emphasized America's readiness for further military strikes against the country.
After the US attacked the speedboat, which they believed was carrying drugs, Venezuela retaliated with a provocative flight of planes over the American ship. This led to a new escalation of conflict between the countries, as well as the mobilization of military reservists in Venezuela.