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| Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection |
Washington, D.C. (6 September 2025) — In a stark escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that any Venezuelan military aircraft that approach U.S. naval vessels in a way deemed threatening will be "shot down". This statement comes amid heightened military activity in the Caribbean, where U.S. forces are actively targeting drug cartels operating in the region.
The announcement follows a recent incident in which two Venezuelan F-16 jets flew near the U.S. destroyer USS Jason Dunham in international waters. The Pentagon labeled the flyover a “highly provocative” move, asserting that it interfered with ongoing U.S. counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations.
To reinforce its position, the U.S. has deployed ten F-35 stealth fighter jets to an airbase in Puerto Rico and expanded its naval presence, including warships and submarines stationed throughout the southern Caribbean.
In a briefing, President Trump declared, “If they do put us in a dangerous position, they’ll be shot down,” granting military commanders the authority to respond if Venezuelan aircraft are perceived as a threat.
At-a-Glance Summary
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. Warning | Aircraft deemed threatening to U.S. naval operations "will be shot down." |
| Provocative Airspace Movement | Two Venezuelan F-16s flew near USS Jason Dunham, labeled "highly provocative". |
| U.S. Military Response | Deployment of 10 F-35s to Puerto Rico, with a bolstered naval presence in the Caribbean. |
| Orders | Military commanders authorized to act if Venezuelan jets pose danger to U.S. assets. |
In short, the U.S. has taken a firm stance: any perceived threat from Venezuelan military aircraft near naval ships will be met with lethal force—marking a significant escalation in relations between the two nations.

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