Trump Issues Strong Warning to Venezuelan Aircraft: 'They Will Be Shot Down'

Tue Sep 23 2025 09:16:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Trump has threatened to shoot down Venezuelan jets that endanger US naval vessels after recent military aircraft incidents near US ships.

In a heated response to increasing tensions, President Donald Trump has warned that Venezuelan jets posing a danger to US naval vessels would be shot down. This statement follows the recent flight of Venezuelan military aircraft near a US vessel, prompting concerns over potential military conflict. The remarks come as Trump intensifies anti-drug trafficking efforts from Venezuela, asserting that drugs are flowing into the US from the country.

President Donald Trump has warned that, if Venezuelan jets fly over US naval ships and put us in a dangerous position, they'll be shot down.

His warning comes after Venezuela flew military aircraft near a US vessel off South America for the second time in two days, US officials reported.

The incidents follow a US strike against what Trump officials described as a drug-carrying vessel from Venezuela operated by a gang, resulting in 11 fatalities.

President Nicolás Maduro has refuted US allegations regarding Venezuela and emphasizes that the countries' differences do not justify a military conflict.

Venezuela has always been willing to talk, to engage in dialogue, but we demand respect, he added.

When queried about future Venezuelan flights over US vessels, Trump stated that Venezuela would be in trouble.

Trump directed his general, who was present, that he could take any necessary actions should the situation escalate.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has intensified efforts against drug trafficking in Latin America.

Maduro has accused the US of attempting regime change through military threats.

Asked about this situation, Trump remarked, we're not talking about that, while also alluding to what he termed a very strange election in Venezuela where Maduro was sworn in for a third term in January after a controversial election.

Trump asserted that drugs are flooding into the US from Venezuela, claiming that members of Tren de Aragua, a gang deemed a terrorist organization in the US, are residing in the US.

The US military has increased its presence in the southern Caribbean by deploying additional naval vessels and thousands of US Marines and sailors to combat the drug flow.

Recently, the White House disclosed that the US is sending 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to enhance security.

Responding to questions about the military deployment in the Caribbean, Trump stated, I think it's just strong. We're strong on drugs. We don't want drugs killing our people. The US president has previously criticized Maduro and increased the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million, labeling him as one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.

Throughout Trump's first term, the US government has charged Maduro and other prominent Venezuelan officials with various offenses, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.

Maduro has consistently rejected the allegations made by the US.