• The Pentagon has described Venezuela's military maneuvers as "highly provocative."
• President Trump has issued a warning stating that Venezuelan jets will be shot down if they pose a danger to US naval forces.
• The US has deployed 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico amid rising tensions over drug trafficking operations.

The United States has escalated military tensions with Venezuela after reports indicated that two Venezuelan military aircraft, identified as F-16 fighter jets, flew near the USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, in international waters. The Pentagon condemned this action, labeling it a "highly provocative move" aimed at interfering with U.S. counter-narcotics operations, following a recent U.S. military strike that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals aboard a Venezuelan vessel accused of trafficking drugs. The strike was associated with the Tren de Aragua cartel, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, according to Newsweek, TRT Global, ABC News, and South China Morning Post.

In response to the perceived threat, President Trump stated unequivocally, "If they fly in a dangerous position, they'll be shot down." This warning reflects heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, especially as the Trump administration ramps up its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying additional naval vessels and 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to combat drug cartels operating from Venezuela. This situation has been criticized by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who claimed the U.S. is seeking regime change and maintaining that Venezuela is committed to engaging in dialogue while demanding respect from the U.S., according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and CBS News.

The U.S. naval deployments include multiple warships targeting criminal organizations associated with drug trafficking, as well as thousands of soldiers who have been mobilized for operations in the region. This military escalation represents a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Venezuela under Trump, who has accused Maduro of being an "indicted drug trafficker" and linked his government to narcoterrorism. Recent developments have led to a call for increased military readiness within Venezuela in response to U.S. actions, according to Business Insider, India Times, and AA.