Venezuela Alleges U.S. Navy Boarding of Tuna Boat in Caribbean Waters

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil reported that a U.S. Navy destroyer boarded a Venezuelan tuna boat carrying nine fishermen in Venezuelan waters. Gil stated that 18 armed personnel remained on the vessel for eight hours, hindering communication and fishing activities. The fishermen were later released under Venezuelan navy escort. The fishing boat had authorization from the Ministry of Fisheries to operate.

The Venezuelan foreign affairs ministry released a video, purportedly filmed by the fishermen, showing parts of the fishing boat, U.S. Navy personnel, and the U.S. warship.

Gil accused the U.S. of seeking incidents to justify military escalation in the Caribbean and warned that Venezuela would defend its sovereignty against any provocation.

This incident follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of an attack on a drug-laden vessel allegedly carrying members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which had departed from Venezuela. The U.S. has not provided evidence for this claim.

Venezuela accused the U.S. of extrajudicial killings, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello calling Washington's version "a tremendous lie" and suggesting the incident could be linked to the disappearance of individuals in a coastal region with no ties to drug trafficking.

The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a cartel to flood the U.S. with drugs and doubled the reward for his capture from $25 million to $50 million.

The U.S. has deployed over 4,000 troops in the area but has not indicated plans for a ground incursion. In response, the Venezuelan government has called on citizens to enlist in militias to support security forces in the event of a potential incursion, urging them to attend military training sessions.