Amid escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López has issued a stern warning to the United States following the flyover of American military aircraft near the state of Zulia.
"The United States must realize that we are not barbarians, that we have rational capabilities, that we think and feel... When they call us liars, there must be a response," Padrino declared during a military event broadcast on state television.
The military leader further stated, "Do not be mistaken; we know how to defend Venezuelan airspace," emphasizing that the Bolivarian Armed Forces are prepared to respond to what he described as "Pentagon provocations."
These statements come two days after two U.S. F-18 Super Hornet jets flew over the Gulf between the states of Zulia and Falcón. This was described as the closest incursion to Venezuelan territory in years, according to data from Flightradar24.
The aircraft performed circular maneuvers in the area before heading north, having turned off their transponders.
The region holds significant military importance for the Maduro regime, housing the "Rafael Urdaneta" naval base, the Integral Western Defense Command, and various radar systems and anti-aircraft batteries.
On the same day, an American MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone, one of the most advanced reconnaissance systems in the U.S. arsenal, was also detected off the Venezuelan coast.
Padrino López accused Washington of attempting to "intimidate the Venezuelan people," asserting that the air maneuvers are part of a strategy of "systematic harassment" against the Maduro regime.
"We will not be broken by their naval air deployment. We are prepared to react and defend this country," he stated, flanked by military commanders and members of the Bolivarian high command.
The minister's speech aligns with a more aggressive stance from the Nicolás Maduro regime, which in recent days has reiterated its opposition to U.S. sanctions and strengthened military cooperation with Russia and Iran.
The Pentagon has not officially commented on the regime's claims. However, military sources cited by U.S. media indicate that recent operations in the Caribbean are part of Operation Southern Lance, billed as an initiative to monitor drug trafficking routes and counter illicit activities in the region.
Venezuela has repeatedly denounced this operation as having a "hostile" nature, suggesting it aims to pave the way for military aggression.
In response, the Maduro regime has conducted joint exercises with Russian troops and Iranian air units, claiming to "protect national sovereignty."
Key Questions on Venezuela-U.S. Military Tensions
What prompted the Venezuelan Defense Minister's warning to the United States?
The warning was issued following the flyover of U.S. military aircraft near the Venezuelan state of Zulia, which was seen as a provocation by the Venezuelan government.
How has the Maduro regime responded to U.S. military activities in the Caribbean?
The regime has responded by conducting joint military exercises with Russia and Iran, asserting its readiness to defend Venezuela's sovereignty.
What is the U.S. Operation Southern Lance?
Operation Southern Lance is described as a U.S. initiative to monitor drug trafficking routes and counter illicit activities in the Caribbean region.