WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Pentagon says two Venezuelan military aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. Navy vessel operating in international waters on Thursday, calling it a “highly provocative move.”

In a statement posted on X, the Defense Department said the flyover appeared to be an intentional attempt to interfere with U.S. counter–narco-terrorism operations in the region.

The incident underscores rising tensions between Washington and Caracas, as the U.S. continues to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government over drug trafficking and security concerns.

The Navy ship involved has not yet been identified publicly, and the Pentagon did not disclose how close the Venezuelan jets came to the vessel. No injuries or damage were reported, and U.S. forces continued their mission.

Officials described the maneuver as unsafe and unnecessary, warning that such actions risk escalation at sea.