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Venezuela accuses US combat planes of flying near its coast

Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino announced on Thursday that five fighter planes were detected near Venezuela's coast. He described this as an American threat.

Padrino, speaking from an airbase, said that the imperialist planes were close enough to the Venezuelan coastline to be considered a threat. The comments were broadcast on the state television. He added that the information had been provided to a control center by a carrier.

Padrino said that the presence of these planes near our Caribbean Sea was a vulgarity and a provocation, as well as a threat to national security.

The Pentagon didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.

The government released a statement later stating that the Colombian flag carrier Avianca had reported the planes to be approximately 75 kilometers away from the Venezuelan coastline.

Avianca didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.

Venezuela "urges U.S. Sec. of War Peter Hegseth immediately to cease his reckless and thrill-seeking posture," which disturbs the peace in the Caribbean. Washington claims to be fighting drug trafficking by sending a fleet warships across the Caribbean. The U.S. also killed those on board several boats that it claimed were transporting drugs from Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claims the U.S. wants regime change but also offers to talk with U.S. Envoy Richard Grenell.

Trump has downplayed suggestions of regime changes, but has accused Maduro repeatedly of leading drug trafficking network, which the Venezuelan President denies.

(source: Reuters)