Sat Sep 13 22:04:31 UTC 2025: **Headline: Tensions Flare as Venezuela Accuses US of Illegal Vessel Seizure, Deploys Troops**

**Caracas, Venezuela –** Tensions between Venezuela and the United States have reached a boiling point following Venezuela’s accusation that the US Navy illegally boarded and occupied one of its fishing vessels within its special economic zone. Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry condemned the action, stating that the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) intercepted a Venezuelan fishing boat carrying nine fishermen on Friday, deploying 18 armed agents who occupied the vessel for eight hours. The ministry called the incident a “direct provocation” and an “illegal use of excessive military means.”

This latest incident follows a US military strike in the Caribbean last week that resulted in the deaths of 11 Venezuelans. The Trump administration claimed, without providing evidence, that the individuals were transporting narcotics, an allegation vehemently denied by Venezuela. Diosdado Cabello, Minister of the Popular Power for Interior, refuted Washington’s claim that the deceased were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, stating that investigations revealed they were not drug traffickers and accusing the US of murder.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly defended the strike, labeling the victims as “evil Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists” and reiterating the US stance that Nicolas Maduro is not the legitimate president of Venezuela and is a “fugitive.” While several countries dispute Maduro’s legitimacy due to concerns about election fairness, the Trump administration has not presented evidence linking him to the Tren de Aragua gang. US intelligence agencies have reportedly stated there is no indication of coordination between the Venezuelan government and drug traffickers.

In response to the escalating situation, Venezuelan President Maduro has announced the deployment of troops, police, and civilian militias across 284 locations, bolstering existing troop levels along the Colombian border. Maduro has signaled Venezuela’s readiness to defend its waters, stating, “We’re ready for an armed fight, if it’s necessary.”

Meanwhile, the US has also increased its military presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying warships and 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Adding fuel to the fire, Washington doubled its reward last month for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, citing alleged drug trafficking and criminal ties. Venezuela denies these allegations, maintaining that it is not a drug-producing country. The Pentagon has not yet issued a formal statement.

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