Overview

• The Defense Department said two Venezuelan F-16s flew close to the USS Jason Dunham in international waters in the southern Caribbean, and the U.S. ship did not respond according to a Pentagon official cited by the New York Times.
• In a warning posted on X, the Pentagon urged Venezuela’s leadership not to interfere with U.S. counter‑narcotics and counter‑terrorism operations.
• The latest encounter comes after President Donald Trump announced a strike on a vessel that the White House said was carrying drugs, saying 11 passengers tied to the Tren de Aragua were killed.
• U.S. officials describe the action as the start of a broader campaign against Venezuelan cartels, with recent deployments that include an attack submarine and multiple warships positioned off Venezuela.
• Media and analysts have questioned the legal basis for destroying a boat in international waters and noted uncertainty over whether those aboard were given a chance to surrender, while Caracas denounced an extrajudicial execution and mobilized millions of militia members.