WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House on Wednesday defended a U.S. military strike against a Venezuelan vessel after the U.S. Southern command (SOUTHCOM) persistent it was attempting to interdict a U.S. Coast Guard cutter,calling the action lawful and necessary.The incident, which occurred in international waters, has escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stone was conducting routine maritime operations when approached by a Venezuelan patrol vessel, according to SOUTHCOM. The Venezuelan vessel “maneuvered dangerously close” and “failed to heed warnings,” prompting the U.S. to disable the Venezuelan boat with a warning shot.No injuries were reported. White House National Security council spokesperson John Kirby stated the U.S. acted within its rights to defend its vessels and personnel. “We have every right to defend our military assets and our personnel,” Kirby said during a press briefing. “That’s exactly what happened here.”
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about Venezuelan military activity and its potential to disrupt regional stability. The U.S. has repeatedly accused Venezuela‘s government, led by President Nicolás maduro, of harboring illicit actors and facilitating drug trafficking. Relations between the two countries have been strained for years, with the U.S. imposing sanctions on Venezuelan officials and entities.
Jeff Mason, a White House Correspondent for Reuters who has covered multiple presidencies, noted the incident occurred amidst a broader context of U.S. efforts to counter illegal activities in the Caribbean Sea and maintain freedom of navigation. Mason, a former president of the White house Correspondents’ Association, has reported extensively on U.S.foreign policy and national security issues. He has previously covered interactions between U.S. leaders and counterparts like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
