President Donald Trump issued a stark warning: Venezuelan military jets will be shot down if they threaten or fly dangerously close to U.S. warships operating in the Caribbean.

🛡️ What Prompted the Threat

• Two Venezuelan fighter jets reportedly flew near the USS Jason Dunham in international waters, which the Pentagon called a “highly provocative” act.

• The U.S. has recently deployed F-35 stealth jets to Puerto Rico as part of a broader crackdown on narco-terrorist networks, including the Tren de Aragua gang, which Washington links to President Nicolás Maduro.

🔥 Trump’s Statement

He also authorized commanders and ship captains to take “whatever measures necessary” if Venezuelan aircraft endanger U.S. forces.

⚖️ Escalating Tensions

• The U.S. recently sank a suspected drug boat tied to Tren de Aragua, killing 11 people—a move Venezuela condemned as an extrajudicial killing.

• Maduro responded by mobilizing Venezuela’s military and declaring readiness for “armed struggle” if attacked.

This marks one of the most serious military standoffs between the U.S. and Venezuela in recent years.