Tense Encounter: Venezuelan Jets Buzz U.S. Warship in International Waters

A recent high-stakes incident unfolded in international waters on December 30, when two Venezuelan military aircraft, advanced SU-30 fighter jets, conducted what U.S. officials have described as an "unsafe and unprofessional" flyby near a U.S. Navy vessel, the USS Leyte Gulf.

The encounter, which occurred approximately 100 nautical miles north of Venezuela's Margarita Island, immediately drew condemnation from the U.S.

Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). At the time of the incident, the USS Leyte Gulf, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, was actively engaged in critical counter-narcotics operations, a longstanding mission to combat illicit trafficking in the region.

SOUTHCOM explicitly stated that the Venezuelan jets' maneuvers were not only dangerous but also violated established international aviation standards and maritime safety protocols.

This type of aggressive behavior by military aircraft near another nation's vessel in international territory is a serious concern, risking miscalculation and escalation.

This particular incident is not an isolated event. It echoes a recurring pattern of similar provocative actions by Venezuelan forces in recent years.

For instance, in 2020, another Venezuelan SU-30 aircraft was reported to have flown dangerously close to a U.S. C-17 transport plane in international airspace. These incidents underscore persistent friction and a tense geopolitical backdrop between the United States and Venezuela.

The U.S. maintains a robust presence in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, primarily aimed at disrupting drug smuggling routes and supporting regional stability.

SOUTHCOM reiterated the United States' unequivocal right to operate in international waters and airspace, emphasizing that such operations are conducted in full accordance with international law. The presence of these advanced Russian-made SU-30 jets in Venezuela's arsenal further highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region, including the influence of external powers.

Despite strained diplomatic relations and ongoing U.S.

sanctions against the Maduro regime, the U.S. continues to assert its commitment to freedom of navigation and the rule of law. The December 30 encounter serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance in international military interactions and the need for professional conduct to prevent unintended consequences.