Venezuelan government reports U.S. destroyer boarded its tuna vessel in contested waters

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Full Story

The Venezuelan government said a U.S. destroyer intercepted and boarded a Venezuelan tuna fishing ship in the country’s Special Economic Zone. The boarding reportedly lasted eight hours, with the destroyer occupying the vessel during that time.

A Special Economic Zone grants coastal states certain rights to explore and use marine resources up to 200 nautical miles offshore. Venezuela has long defended its claims over fishing rights in the Caribbean and Atlantic waters.

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The Context

The incident occurred on Friday, according to Venezuelan officials, who said the destroyer remained in control of the vessel until its release. Venezuelan authorities called the act a violation of sovereignty.

The United States has previously conducted maritime operations in international waters near Latin America. Washington often justifies such actions as part of counter-narcotics patrols or freedom of navigation missions.

Maritime disputes are not uncommon in contested waters, particularly where fishing resources are involved. Tuna, which is commercially valuable, has been central to disputes across multiple regions globally.

Supporters of U.S. maritime patrols argue that they are necessary to curb illegal trafficking and strengthen security in the hemisphere. Critics counter that such actions risk escalating tensions and undermining international law.

Venezuela has frequently accused the United States of interfering in its affairs. U.S. officials, in turn, have long expressed concerns about governance and organized crime linked to Venezuela’s maritime operations.

This incident comes amid already strained relations between the two nations. Disagreements over sanctions, trade, and territorial waters have repeatedly fueled disputes.