Venezuela's Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, has accused the United States of conducting intelligence flights over Venezuelan territory. On Sunday, Padrino López stated that these aerial operations amount to acts of espionage and pose a direct threat to national security, according to a report by EFE shared on their official X account.
The accusation emerges amid claims that Washington is attempting to justify a "military threat and intervention plan" aimed at displacing President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at a press conference broadcast by the state-run Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Padrino López noted that while U.S. military aircraft have historically conducted intelligence operations in the Caribbean, recent activities have shifted from daytime to nocturnal and early morning missions, with a significant increase in intelligence and reconnaissance efforts against Venezuela recorded in August.
According to El Universal, Padrino López highlighted that tanker aircraft, supporting spy planes like the RC-135 capable of collecting real-time data up to 200 miles, were spotted on Saturday night within reach of Venezuelan territory. He also mentioned the frequent presence of E-3 Sentry AWACS planes, known for their surveillance and early warning capabilities, over the Caribbean.
In related developments, Caracas reported that U.S. military forces detained a Venezuelan tuna vessel for eight hours while it was navigating in the Caribbean waters. Padrino warned that these maneuvers are part of a strategy to "ignite a war in the Caribbean, a conflict neither Venezuelans nor Caribbean nations desire."
Additionally, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned an "illegal assault" by U.S. military forces on a Venezuelan fishing vessel within Venezuela's Exclusive Economic Zone via his X account. The diplomat described the act as a "blatant violation of international law" and a "dangerous provocation threatening the peace of Latin America and the Caribbean."
These allegations coincide with escalating tensions in the Caribbean, marked by the deployment of U.S. aircraft and warships near Venezuelan shores and Caracas's military response. The situation remains fluid as further developments are anticipated.
Escalating Tensions in the Caribbean: Key Questions Answered
What accusations has Venezuela made against the U.S. regarding espionage?
Venezuela has accused the United States of conducting intelligence flights over its territory, which they consider acts of espionage and a direct threat to their national security.
How has the U.S. allegedly increased its intelligence operations in the Caribbean?
The U.S. is reported to have shifted its intelligence operations from daytime to nighttime and early morning, tripling its reconnaissance activities against Venezuela in August.
What incident involving a Venezuelan vessel has stirred tensions?
Caracas reported that U.S. military forces detained a Venezuelan tuna vessel for eight hours while it was in Caribbean waters, escalating regional tensions.