Venezuela has accused the United States of illegally boarding and occupying a fishing vessel in its Special Economic Zone, intensifying already strained relations between the two countries.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the U.S. destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) intercepted a tuna fishing vessel on Friday.
According to the ministry, the destroyer deployed 18 armed agents who boarded the boat and occupied it for eight hours. Officials described the vessel as harmless and said it was manned by nine “humble” fishermen. The ministry called the action a “direct provocation” and an “illegal use of excessive military means.”
Foreign Minister Yván Gil read the statement, adding that the U.S. ship was equipped with cruise missiles and operated by highly trained marines. Venezuela demanded that the U.S. stop targeting Venezuelan vessels, warning that such actions threaten the peace and security of the Caribbean.
The incident occurred
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