Trump Issues Stark Warnings Over Venezuelan Jets

Sat Oct 18 2025 18:32:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Trump has declared that any Venezuelan military aircraft that jeopardizes US naval ships will be shot down, following recent tensions between the two nations.

In a recent statement, President Trump warned that Venezuelan jets would be shot down if they posed a threat to US ships. This assertion follows reports of Venezuelan military aircraft flying near a US naval vessel. Tensions escalated after a US strike against a Venezuelan drug-carrying vessel resulted in multiple casualties. Venezuelan President Maduro has dismissed US allegations and called for dialogue, while asserting that military conflict is unwarranted.

President Donald Trump has warned that, if Venezuelan jets fly over US naval ships and put us in a dangerous position, they'll be shot down.

This warning came after Venezuela flew military aircraft near a US vessel off South America for the second time in two days, as reported by US officials to CBS News.

The situation escalated following a US strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel from Venezuela operated by a gang, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals.

In response, President Nicolás Maduro claimed that the accusations from the US were unfounded, insisting that diplomatic discussions are preferable and that military conflict is unjustified.

When pressed by reporters about future incursions by Venezuelan jets, Trump indicated that Venezuela would be placing itself in trouble and mentioned the full extent of military action could be utilized if necessary.

Trump has intensified efforts against drug trafficking in the region since returning to office, and claims that drugs from Venezuela are entering the US. The US military has bolstered its presence in the Caribbean to combat drug trafficking, including the deployment of additional naval assets and F-35 fighter jets.

Amidst these tensions, Maduro accused the US of pursuing regime change through military threats, while Trump has accused him of extensive drug trafficking activities.