Venezuela Warns US Navy After Reported Military Clashes in Caribbean, Cites Russian Partnership
CARACAS – Venezuela has signaled a potential escalation in tensions with the United States, suggesting it may leverage its strategic partnership with Russia – including potential missile capabilities – in response to recent U.S. Navy operations targeting alleged drug smugglers in international waters off the Venezuelan coast. The move follows reports from Spiegel that dozens have been killed in these U.S.military actions.
The U.S. government accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of direct involvement in drug trafficking, a claim for which no public evidence has yet been presented. The escalating situation unfolds against a backdrop of deepening ties between Venezuela and Russia, solidified by a renewed strategic partnership announced in late October, encompassing cooperation in energy, mining, transport, and security, according to Russian state news agency tass.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Euronews on November 2 that Russia is in contact with Maduro regarding the U.S. Navy presence. The Washington Post reports maduro has also sought support from China and Iran.
Moscow has strongly condemned the U.S. use of “excessive military force” in anti-narcotics operations, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry website.
Venezuela shares borders with Brazil,Colombia,and Guyana,and has a population of 31.25 million, with Caracas as its capital. The nation’s official language is Spanish and covers an area of 912.050 km.
