Pinto expressed gratitude for the support from international governments and their populations, which he stated is crucial in resisting attempts to incite conflict in the Caribbean and South America.
Related Stories
list of 4 items
end of list
The minister contended that the US threats are motivated by a desire to plunder Venezuela’s significant reserves of oil and gas. He accused Washington of employing “vulgar and perverse lies” to rationalize its aggressive and immoral military posture.
The potential for US military action against alleged drug traffickers within Venezuela, as mentioned by NBC News, citing unnamed officials, further heightens tensions. The US has conducted strikes against vessels suspected of narcotics smuggling, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Experts question the legality of these strikes in international waters, while both the UN and the US data indicate that Venezuela is not a prime source of cocaine entering the US, contrary to claims made by US President Donald Trump.
Trump has vowed to eliminate drug smugglers, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro has advocated for criminal proceedings against Trump over the deadly strikes on Caribbean vessels.
The US has reinforced its presence around Venezuela with warships and fighter jets, framing the operation as an anti-drug effort. The Trump administration has declined to engage in dialogue with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is accused of drug trafficking—a claim that Maduro vehemently denies.
In response to the perceived threats, Maduro has announced military drills to assess the nation’s readiness for potential conflicts or natural disasters.
‘Our fishermen are peaceful’
Speaking to AFP, Venezuelan fishermen expressed their anguish over the US strikes, which have instilled fear and restricted their fishing activities close to shore out of safety concerns. Despite these anxieties, they remain defiant, determined to continue their work in the face of what they view as unwarranted aggression.
Fishers are taking precautions and coordinating with authorities while condemning the US military presence as an unjustified threat to their livelihood and national sovereignty.
