Overview

• The Defense Department reported two Venezuelan military aircraft flew over the USS Jason Dunham in international waters and called the maneuver a highly provocative attempt to disrupt U.S. missions.
• The incident follows a U.S. strike that destroyed a fast boat the administration said was carrying drugs from Venezuela, leaving 11 dead, with agencies noting key details remain unverified.
• Local outlet El Pitazo reported the vessel departed San Juan de Unare in Sucre state en route to Trinidad and Tobago, while Washington linked the boat to Tren de Aragua.
• Caracas condemned the maritime strike as extrajudicial killings, raised military alert levels, and moved to mobilize militias and reservists in response to perceived threats.
• On a regional tour, Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Maduro a fugitive, announced nearly $20 million in security aid to Ecuador, and said Los Choneros and Los Lobos would be designated terrorist organizations as the U.S. sustains a multi-ship Caribbean deployment and a $50 million reward for Maduro.