In a tense maritime standoff that feels straight out of an action thriller, Venezuela has accused the US Navy destroyer USS Jason Dunham of illegally intercepting the Carmen Rosa – its fishing vessel crewed by nine fishermen – on Friday.
The incident reportedly took place about 48 nautical miles northeast of La Blanquilla island. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil says the destroyer deployed 18 armed personnel who boarded and occupied the Carmen Rosa for eight hours, blocking its communications and obstructing normal operations 🚫📡⚓.
In a statement posted on Telegram, FM Gil called the move "a provocation through the illegal use of military means, aimed at justifying a war escalation in the Caribbean and pushing for regime change."
At a Saturday press conference, Venezuela demanded that Washington "immediately cease these actions that put the security and peace of the Caribbean at risk." Gil reiterated the country's commitment to peace and to defending its national sovereignty.
What's next? Venezuela says it will lodge a formal protest with Washington and keep the world updated. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding maritime drama! 🌊🔍
Reference(s):
Venezuela says U.S. illegally intercepts Venezuelan fishing vessel
cgtn.com
