The Cuban head of state, Miguel Díaz-Canel, expressed strong disapproval this Sunday regarding what he described as an "illegal assault" by U.S. military forces on a Venezuelan fishing vessel in Caribbean waters. This incident has sparked a series of reactions in both Havana and Caracas amid escalating regional tensions. "We condemn the assault on a Venezuelan fishing boat by U.S. military forces in Venezuela's Exclusive Economic Zone. This act is illegal, contrary to International Law, and a cowardly and dangerous provocation," Díaz-Canel stated on his social media account, emphasizing that "Latin America and the Caribbean is a Zone of Peace."
Lis Cuesta, his wife, added a fiery comment to the discourse: "Latin America is a zone of peace. Respect the people of Venezuela, damn it!" Her blunt outburst seemed more like a personal venting than an official statement, surprising many with its intensity.
Solidarity with Venezuela
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez echoed the condemnation, labeling the incident as a "blatant violation of International Law" and a "dangerous provocation threatening the peace of Latin America and the Caribbean." According to Euronews, the Venezuelan fishing boat Carmen Rosa, carrying nine crew members, was intercepted and detained for eight hours by the U.S. destroyer USS Jason Dunham.
The administration of Nicolás Maduro condemned the act, stating that 18 armed personnel took over the vessel off the coast of La Blanquilla island, an action described as an assault on "nine humble fishermen." Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil warned that this was an attempt to justify "a military escalation" in the Caribbean, while Caracas labeled the operation as a "direct provocation" within the context of Washington's anti-drug trafficking efforts.
Military Tensions Rise in the Caribbean
This incident coincided with the deployment of five U.S. F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, sparking protests on the island against increased militarization. In retaliation, Maduro initiated maneuvers across 312 military bases and units in Venezuela, mobilizing thousands of militiamen under the Plan Independencia 200 directive.
The crisis is part of an escalating conflict that began last week with another U.S. military operation targeting a Venezuelan vessel accused of drug trafficking, resulting in 11 deaths near Trinidad and Tobago. Shortly thereafter, U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, visited the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, asserting that operations in the Caribbean "are not a drill," as Venezuelan aircraft flew over the USS Jason Dunham. The Pentagon referred to this as "playing with fire."
On Sunday, Venezuela's Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, reported U.S. spy planes conducting intelligence flights over Venezuelan airspace. He indicated these operations had tripled in August, shifting to nighttime and early morning schedules, involving RC-135 aircraft capable of real-time information collection and E-3 Sentry AWACS planes over the Caribbean.
Padrino warned that these maneuvers are part of a Washington scheme to "instigate a war in the Caribbean, a war that neither Venezuelans nor the people of the Caribbean desire."
FAQs on the U.S.-Venezuela Maritime Incident
What happened to the Venezuelan fishing boat Carmen Rosa?
The Venezuelan fishing boat Carmen Rosa was intercepted and detained for eight hours by the U.S. destroyer USS Jason Dunham, with 18 armed personnel boarding the vessel.
How did the Cuban government respond to the interception?
Cuban officials, including President Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, condemned the incident as an illegal act and a provocative violation of international law.
What actions did Venezuela take in response to the incident?
In response, Venezuela's President Maduro ordered military maneuvers across the country and denounced the incident as a provocation within Washington's anti-drug operations.
Why are U.S. military operations increasing in the Caribbean?
U.S. military operations in the Caribbean are part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, though these actions have been perceived as provocative by regional governments.