Tensions are rising fast between the United States and Venezuela after two armed Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets flew close to the USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy vessel operating in international waters.
The flyby, which took place on Thursday, prompted an immediate warning from the U.S. Department of Defense, describing the act as “highly provocative.” The jets came within an undisclosed range of the ship, raising concerns of a direct confrontation in the Caribbean Sea — just miles off Venezuela’s coastline.
The U.S. military has not publicly disclosed how the Jason Dunham responded to the encounter. But the timing is notable. Earlier this week, American forces struck a Venezuelan drug boat in the region as part of expanded counter-narcotics operations.
The Defense Department directly accused the Maduro regime of trying to disrupt these operations. In a statement released after the flyby, U.S. officials said the jets were attempting to interfere with ongoing “counter narco-terror operations.”
US MILITARY WARNING TO VENEZUELA, FAFO: Pentagon Warns the ‘Cartel Running Venezuela’ After F-16s Flown Near US Warship
“If You’re Trafficking Drugs With a Cartel and You’re Headed to the United States, There Will Be Lethal Consequences”
Did You Vote For This Action? I… pic.twitter.com/507yVzo15g
— RedWhiteBlueMan (@RWB_American) September 5, 2025
US MILITARY WARNING TO VENEZUELA, FAFO: Pentagon Warns the ‘Cartel Running Venezuela’ After F-16s Flown Near US WarshipThe statement used forceful language, calling Venezuela’s leadership “the cartel running Venezuela” and warning them not to obstruct any further missions.
The Department of Defense issues a STARK warning for Venezuela to back off or find out. pic.twitter.com/mIKs7y1gt9
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) September 5, 2025
There are now at least eight U.S. Navy ships positioned near Venezuela’s maritime border. These ships are part of an aggressive strategy aimed at blocking the flow of illegal drugs moving north through the Caribbean.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a public role in the operation. “For the first time in the modern era,” he said, “we are truly on the offense.”
Former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Jimmy Story told the New York Times that using warships to hunt drug boats was like “using a blowtorch to cook an egg.” His remarks suggest that this mission, while clearly serious, may carry larger political risks than military ones.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, meanwhile, has called for his people to prepare for what he described as “maximum rebellion” in the event of a U.S. incursion. Speaking at a rally earlier this week, Maduro praised Venezuelans as “warriors” and insisted they would fight back against any American military action.
He also issued a message directed at President Donald Trump, attempting to distance the U.S. leader from his own officials. “Mr. President, Donald Trump,” Maduro said, “watch out, because Mr. Rubio wants to stain your hands with blood.”
The comment has raised questions about internal U.S. decision-making and whether Maduro sees a path to negotiating with Trump directly, bypassing other administration figures.
So far, there is no indication of immediate escalation. But with armed aircraft flying close to American ships, and U.S. military forces active near Venezuela’s coast, the risk of a flashpoint remains.
Even a single miscalculation could lead to a larger conflict.
Both sides have accused the other of provocation. Both sides say they are acting in self-defense. And now, the world is watching what happens next.
As for the Jason Dunham, it’s still on station — and its mission continues. But after Thursday’s incident, the stakes just got a lot higher.
