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Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the United States of deliberately raising tensions and aiming to provoke war in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Speaking at events marking the 47th anniversary of Venezuela’s Air and Aerospace Defense Command, López criticized the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean.
He said Washington’s objective was to destabilize the region and push it toward conflict.
“The U.S. people should understand that their government is being used as a tool. The aim is to start a war in Latin America and the Caribbean,” López said.
Lopez warned that any potential war with the United States would have devastating consequences, calling on dialogue and diplomacy instead of force.
He said Venezuela was closely monitoring what he described as intimidation attempts and stressed that the country was prepared to defend itself.
He also said U.S. warplanes had approached Venezuelan airspace, adding that Venezuela had the capacity to respond and protect its skies.
Lopez denounced the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, calling it a clear violation of international law, freedom of navigation and free trade.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez also condemned the seizure, saying Venezuela was pursuing legal and international channels to defend its natural resources.
She accused the United States of trying to take Venezuelan oil without paying for it.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that two U.S. F-18 fighter jets entered airspace over the Gulf of Venezuela for about 40 minutes on Dec. 9.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the seizure of the oil tanker, saying it was carried out for what he described as a justified reason and that the tanker would be held.
Trump has previously said the United States could carry out ground attacks against Venezuela and suggested such actions could begin soon.
Venezuela has described the tanker seizure as “outright theft” and said it would take the matter to international bodies.
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