Venezuela Condemns US Destroyer for Hostile Occupation of Fishing Vessel
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Venezuela denounced the United States for a hostile occupation of a fishing vessel in its special economic zone, a move that has further strained relations between Caracas and Washington.
The Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) intercepted the boat on Friday while it carried nine “humble” and “harmless” fishermen.
President Nicolás Maduro responded by ordering the deployment of troops, police and civilian militias to 284 locations, reinforcing earlier military buildups along the Colombian border.
“We’re ready for an armed fight, if it’s necessary,” Maduro said in a speech in Ciudad Caribia, vowing to defend Venezuela’s waters.
The US has increased its own presence in the southern Caribbean, sending warships and deploying 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico.
Last month, Washington doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, citing alleged drug trafficking ties — accusations Venezuela rejects, insisting it is not a drug-producing nation.
