US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate: Trump Deploys F-35 Jets, Warns of Military Action

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have intensified, with Washington signaling a possible shift toward open conflict. On Friday, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Caracas, declaring that if Venezuelan fighter jets fly close to American naval ships and pose any threat, they will be shot down without hesitation.

Near-Miss Incidents at Sea

According to US officials, Venezuelan military aircraft flew dangerously close to a US naval vessel near South America on two consecutive days

. In response, the Trump administration adopted a tougher stance. US media reports now confirm that the White House has deployed 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico, further escalating military preparedness.

Possibility of Surgical Strikes

Reports from CNN and other US outlets suggest that Washington is considering surgical strike-style operations

against drug cartels operating inside Venezuela. The US has already labeled these cartels as narco-terrorist organizations. Currently, US warships, Marines, and a nuclear-powered submarine are stationed near Venezuela’s maritime borders, increasing the risk of confrontation.

Venezuela’s Strong Response

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro dismissed Washington’s allegations, particularly after a US operation against a suspected drug ship resulted in 11 deaths

. Maduro called the charges baseless and warned that his country would not tolerate aggression.

“If Venezuela is attacked, we will immediately go into armed conflict,” Maduro said, claiming Venezuela has a standing army of 340,000 soldiers and over 8 million fighters, including reserves and militias, ready to defend the nation.

Long-Standing Hostility Between Trump and Maduro

The hostility between Trump and Maduro is not new. Washington has refused to recognize Maduro’s 2018 and 2024 election victories

, branding them illegitimate. The Trump administration has also accused him of running a drug trafficking cartel. In a dramatic move, the US government increased the reward for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, further deepening the standoff.

War Clouds Gathering?

While the US insists its actions are aimed at tackling drug smuggling networks, the deployment of advanced fighter jets and naval assets

near Venezuela has raised fears of a potential war. With both sides trading warnings and preparing for military escalation, the region stands on edge, waiting to see whether this crisis will end in diplomacy or confrontation.