Tensions Rise: U.S. Combat Planes Near Venezuelan Coast

In a developing situation that heightens existing tensions, Venezuela's Defense Minister, General Vladimir Padrino, announced the detection of five U.S. combat planes near the country's coastline. Labeling the planes as a significant threat, Padrino addressed this issue from an airbase, with the proceedings broadcasted on state television.

The minister's comments suggested that the information concerning the combat planes had been relayed to Venezuelan control towers by a commercial flight carrier. Venezuela criticized the U.S. military's maneuvers as provocative, posing a national security risk. Official statements urged U.S. Secretary of War Peter Hegseth to reconsider these actions, which reportedly disrupt the Caribbean's peace.

While the Pentagon withheld immediate comment, Venezuela accused the U.S. of pursuing a regime change through such military operations. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities justify their presence in the region as part of ongoing efforts to curtail drug trafficking, though Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has refuted claims regarding his involvement in such networks.