Two Venezuelan military aircraft conducted a provocative flyby near a US Navy ship in international waters on Thursday, prompting a strong condemnation from the US Department of Defense. The DOD statement described the action as interference with counter-narco-terrorism operations and warned against further obstruction. This incident follows increased US military presence in the region to combat drug cartels and escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, including a recent US military strike killing 11 suspected drug traffickers.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.