Venezuela Reports U.S. Fighter Jets Near Its Coast, Labels Move a “Provocation”

Venezuela Reports U.S. Fighter Jets Near Its Coast, Labels Move a “Provocation”

Venezuela Reports U.S. Fighter Jets Near Its Coast, Labels Move a “Provocation”

Venezuela, US fighter jets, F-35, Caribbean tensions, Nicolás Maduro, Vladimir Padrino, Venezuela airspace, US military, Caribbean security, US-Venezuela relations 2025

Caracas, October 3, 2025 — Venezuela’s Defense Ministry announced on October 2 that five U.S. combat aircraft had been detected approximately 75 kilometers (46 miles) off its Caribbean coast. In a televised address, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned the flights as a deliberate “provocation” that jeopardizes Venezuela’s national security.

What Venezuela Claims

  • The jets were identified as F-35 fighters, cruising at 35,000 feet and roughly 400 knots.
  • Detection was made through Venezuela’s air defense and the Maiquetía air traffic control system.
  • A commercial airliner flying nearby allegedly confirmed the sighting and notified controllers.
  • The aircraft remained in international airspace, 75 km offshore — beyond the 12 nautical mile territorial limit.
  • Padrino accused Washington of recklessness and warned, “We are watching you, and this does not intimidate us.”

Escalating U.S.–Venezuela Tensions

This episode comes amid growing friction between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. has deployed several warships to the Caribbean, officially as part of counter-narcotics operations. Venezuela, however, argues the move is aimed at destabilizing President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Recent U.S. actions include:

  • Naval strikes on suspected smuggling vessels, which killed at least 14 individuals — though evidence remains disputed.
  • The confirmed deployment of up to 10 F-35 jets to Puerto Rico in mid-September.
  • Large-scale amphibious landing exercises conducted by U.S. Marines in the Caribbean.

Strategic and Legal Dimensions

While the U.S. jets did not enter Venezuelan territorial airspace, Caracas maintains that such maneuvers threaten civil aviation and violate regional security norms. Analysts argue the presence of F-35 stealth fighters in the region signals a more aggressive U.S. posture, raising risks of miscalculation.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. Department of Defense has not yet commented on the incident. International observers, including the OAS and ICAO, may be called upon to review the matter. With both nations trading accusations, the situation could escalate if further military encounters occur in the Caribbean.

Source: HarbouchaNews – independent global news coverage

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