Venezuela strongly criticized the United States on Saturday for detaining a fishing boat in its exclusive economic zone. The incident comes as tensions rise, with US forces increasing patrols in the Caribbean to fight drug cartels.

Venezuela Accuses US of Provocation

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced that the USS Jason Dunham intercepted a fishing vessel carrying nine tuna fishermen on Friday. According to Gil, 18 armed US agents boarded the small boat and held it for eight hours.

Consequently, he labeled the action a “direct provocation” and accused the US of using “illegal and excessive military force.” He further alleged that Washington was trying to create a conflict to justify “escalating war in the Caribbean” with the goal of regime change in Caracas.

Therefore, he demanded that the US “immediately cease these actions that endanger security and peace in the Caribbean.”

However, the US Southern Command, which oversees the region, did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

Tensions Escalate Between Washington and Caracas

Recently, relations between the two countries have sharply deteriorated. Earlier this year, Washington deployed its largest naval force to the Caribbean in years.

Moreover, US President Donald Trump stated that the operation was designed to target Venezuelan drug cartels. The US government has accused President Nicolas Maduro of running a cocaine trafficking network. In response, Washington recently doubled its bounty for Maduro’s capture to $50 million.

Earlier this month, US forces destroyed a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, killing 11 people. Trump later claimed the boat belonged to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal gang linked to Maduro.

Significantly, the use of military force for anti-drug operations is unusual, as such cases have traditionally been handled by law enforcement.

In contrast, Maduro has rejected all drug trafficking allegations. He described the US military buildup as “the greatest threat our continent has seen in the last 100 years.”

Venezuela Mobilizes Troops and Civilians

As a response, Maduro deployed troops along Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and the Colombian border. Additionally, he called on citizens to join the country’s civilian militia, which works closely with the armed forces.

On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers arrived at the Fuerte Tiuna military base in Caracas for weapons training. Some wore T-shirts showing their workplaces, including public TV stations, the national electric company, and groups like “Socialist Bikers.” Others wore sportswear, while some dressed in camouflage.

Notably, elderly citizens also participated. One man, using a walker, attended the training session.

At the historic 4F fort, which also houses late President Hugo Chávez’s mausoleum, about 200 volunteers practiced with Kalashnikov rifles and handguns.

“It is deplorable that the (United States) intends to invade our nation,” said 54-year-old lawyer Jenny Rojas.

“If they try to attack the homeland, the entire population will defend it,” she told AFP. Holding a rifle, she added, “Having (the Kalashnikov) in your hands gives you that pride. When the time comes to take up arms, you will have to do it.”

Diplomatic Strain Intensifies

As a result of the fishing boat detention, the standoff between Washington and Caracas has deepened. Venezuela views US patrols as a direct threat to its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Washington insists its operations focus only on combating drug trafficking. Ultimately, with both nations refusing to back down, fears of a wider confrontation in the Caribbean continue to grow.