Venezuela Accuses U.S. of Seizing Fishing Boat in Caribbean

Venezuela has accused the United States of seizing a fishing boat in its exclusive economic zone, escalating tensions between the two nations. On Saturday, the Venezuelan foreign ministry claimed that the USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy destroyer, detained the vessel for eight hours while it was carrying nine fishermen. The incident occurred on March 15, 2024, approximately 48 nautical miles northeast of La Blanquilla Island, which is under Venezuelan sovereignty.

According to the statement from Caracas, the U.S. military deployed 18 armed personnel to board the fishing boat, describing the act as “illegally and hostilely” executed. The ministry characterized the operation as a “direct provocation through the illegal use of excessive military means,” asserting that the fishermen were engaged in tuna fishing at the time of the detention.

The Venezuelan government expressed concern that the seizure was part of a broader strategy by U.S. officials. The statement suggested that those responsible for the incident are attempting to create a justification for escalating military action in the Caribbean, with an underlying goal of regime change in Venezuela. The foreign ministry demanded an immediate cessation of such actions, asserting that they threaten security and peace in the region.

In a notable outreach, the Venezuelan government addressed the American public, urging them to recognize the seriousness of these military maneuvers. The statement emphasized that U.S. soldiers should not be used as “sacrificial pieces” to further the interests of what it termed a “greedy and predatory elite.”

Tensions between Venezuela and the United States have intensified recently, particularly following the deployment of U.S. warships in the southern Caribbean. This military presence comes amidst claims by the U.S. that President Nicolás Maduro is leading a cocaine trafficking operation. In a significant move, the U.S. government recently doubled its bounty for Maduro’s capture to $50 million.

Earlier this month, U.S. forces carried out an operation in the Caribbean that resulted in the destruction of an alleged drug boat, which reportedly led to the deaths of 11 individuals. President Donald Trump linked this incident to the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, further straining relations.

As the situation develops, both nations remain on high alert, and the implications of these actions may have lasting consequences for regional stability and international relations in the Caribbean.