Trump Warns Venezuela: Jets Will be Shot Down if They Endanger US Ships
In a stern warning to the Venezuelan government, President Donald Trump stated on Friday that any Venezuelan jets flying over U.S. vessels would be "shot down" if they pose a threat to American ships.
According to sources in the Oval Office, Trump made the statement during a meeting with his generals, emphasizing that Venezuela would face severe consequences if its military actions escalate. When asked about the comments, Trump said, "We're not talking about that," but referenced a "very strange election" in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for his third term in January.
The U.S. has been intensifying its anti-drug-trafficking efforts in Latin America since Trump's return to office in January. Maduro has accused the United States of seeking "regime change through military threat." The Venezuelan leader has maintained that his government is committed to fighting drug trafficking and terrorism, but critics argue that his administration is linked to organized crime.
Trump also mentioned that drugs are pouring into the U.S. from Venezuela and that members of Tren de Aragua, a gang proscribed as a terrorist organization in the U.S., were living there. The U.S. military has deployed additional naval vessels and thousands of marines and sailors to the southern Caribbean to stem the flow of illicit goods.
The warning comes amid rising tensions between the two nations. Maduro's government has accused the U.S. of trying to destabilize Venezuela through economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure. In response, Trump said that his administration is committed to protecting American interests in the region.
Background
Venezuela has been embroiled in a deepening crisis since 2015, when protests against President Maduro's government turned violent. The country has struggled with hyperinflation, food shortages, and a massive exodus of migrants. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Venezuelan officials, including Maduro himself.
International Perspectives
Experts say that Trump's warning is part of a broader effort to pressure Venezuela into addressing its human rights abuses and corruption allegations. "The U.S. is trying to send a message to the Venezuelan government that it will not tolerate any actions that threaten American interests," said Maria Rodriguez, a Latin America expert at Georgetown University.
However, others argue that Trump's approach is counterproductive and may exacerbate the crisis in Venezuela. "The U.S. should be working with regional partners to find a peaceful solution to the crisis, rather than issuing threats and imposing sanctions," said Jose Luis Gomez, a Venezuelan analyst based in Caracas.
Current Status
The situation remains tense, with both nations maintaining their hardline stances. The U.S. has warned that any Venezuelan jets flying over American ships will be shot down, while Maduro's government has vowed to defend its sovereignty against what it sees as U.S. aggression.
As the standoff continues, regional leaders are urging calm and calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. In a statement, the Organization of American States (OAS) said that it is "deeply concerned" about the escalating tensions between the two nations and urged both sides to engage in dialogue.
The situation remains fluid, with developments expected in the coming days.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
