BOGOTA, Colombia – In a development that has heightened tensions in the Caribbean, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced on Sunday that he held a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss a recent U.S. military strike on a vessel in international waters near Venezuela. The strike, which occurred on October 3, 2025, resulted in the deaths of four individuals and has sparked strong condemnation from both Venezuela and Russia, raising concerns about escalating geopolitical tensions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
According to a statement from the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, Lavrov expressed Russia’s “full support and solidarity” with Venezuela in response to the U.S. action. The Russian Foreign Minister reportedly condemned the strike, describing it as an unjustified act of aggression by the U.S. armed forces against a vessel operating in international waters. The ministry’s statement emphasized Moscow’s disapproval, quoting Lavrov as saying, “Russia strongly condemns the new strike by the US armed forces on Oct. 3 on a ship in international waters near Venezuela.” This condemnation underscores the deepening alignment between Venezuela and Russia, two nations that have frequently positioned themselves as counterweights to U.S. influence on the global stage.
The U.S. government, for its part, justified the strike by claiming the targeted vessel was involved in illicit activities. According to Washington, the ship was transporting “substantial amounts of narcotics” destined for the United States, with the intent to “poison our people.” This narrative aligns with the U.S.’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking in the region, particularly in the Caribbean, which has long been a transit route for illegal narcotics. The operation was part of a series of recent U.S. military actions in the region, with the October 3 strike marking at least the fourth such incident in recent weeks. These operations have collectively resulted in at least 21 deaths, according to reports, further intensifying regional tensions.
In a speech delivered at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the incident during a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. Trump praised the Navy’s actions, describing the targeted vessel as part of a broader network of “cartel terrorists” threatening American security. He suggested that the success of U.S. maritime operations in disrupting drug trafficking by sea might force criminal organizations to shift their routes to land-based pathways. “They’re not coming in by sea anymore, so now we’ll have to start looking about the land because they’ll be forced to go by land,” Trump remarked. Some analysts have interpreted this statement as a veiled threat toward Venezuela, raising concerns about the potential for further U.S. military involvement in the region.
The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has been vocal in its criticism of the United States, accusing Washington of orchestrating a campaign to destabilize and overthrow his administration. Maduro’s government has consistently framed U.S. actions in the region—ranging from economic sanctions to military operations—as part of a broader imperialist agenda aimed at removing him from power. The October 3 strike has only deepened these suspicions, with Venezuelan officials pointing to it as evidence of Washington’s aggressive intentions.
Foreign Minister Gil echoed these sentiments in his communications following the strike. In a post on Telegram, Gil reiterated Venezuela’s commitment to preserving Latin America and the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace,” a concept rooted in regional agreements to promote stability and avoid external military interventions. Gil stated that Moscow shares this commitment, signaling Russia’s support for Venezuela’s efforts to counter what it perceives as U.S. aggression. The Venezuelan Foreign Minister also highlighted what he described as “repeated threats from political sectors in the US that seek to justify a military deployment in our region, putting the stability of the continent at risk.” This rhetoric reflects growing concerns in Caracas about the possibility of direct U.S. military action, particularly in light of Trump’s recent comments.
The incident has broader implications for regional and international relations. The Caribbean, long a hotspot for geopolitical rivalries, has seen increasing tensions in recent years due to competing interests among global powers. The United States has maintained a strong presence in the region, driven by its efforts to curb drug trafficking and counter the influence of adversarial nations like Venezuela and its allies, including Russia and China. Venezuela, meanwhile, has deepened its partnerships with Moscow and Beijing as a means of countering U.S. pressure, particularly in the face of crippling economic sanctions that have exacerbated the country’s ongoing humanitarian and economic crises.
Russia’s vocal support for Venezuela in this context is consistent with its broader foreign policy objectives. Moscow has long positioned itself as a defender of nations targeted by Western powers, particularly the United States. By condemning the U.S. strike and aligning itself with Venezuela’s narrative, Russia is reinforcing its role as a key ally of the Maduro government. This partnership has been solidified through economic and military cooperation, including arms sales and joint military exercises, as well as Russia’s support for Venezuela in international forums like the United Nations.
The October 3 strike and its aftermath also highlight the challenges of addressing drug trafficking in the Caribbean, a region that serves as a critical transit point for narcotics moving from South America to North America and Europe. The U.S. has intensified its efforts to disrupt these networks, deploying naval and coast guard assets to patrol international waters. However, these operations often raise complex legal and diplomatic questions, particularly when they occur in international waters near sovereign nations like Venezuela. Critics argue that such actions risk escalating tensions and undermining regional stability, especially when they result in civilian casualties or are perceived as violations of sovereignty.
For Venezuela, the strike is not only a diplomatic flashpoint but also a domestic political issue. Maduro’s government has used the incident to rally domestic support, framing it as part of a broader struggle against U.S. imperialism. This narrative resonates with segments of the Venezuelan population, particularly those who view the U.S. as responsible for the country’s economic woes. However, the government’s ability to respond effectively to such incidents is constrained by its ongoing economic challenges and international isolation.
As tensions continue to simmer, the international community is closely watching the situation in the Caribbean. The alignment between Venezuela and Russia, combined with the U.S.’s aggressive posture, raises the specter of further escalation. Regional organizations, such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), may face pressure to address the growing tensions and advocate for dialogue to prevent further militarization of the region. Meanwhile, the concept of the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” remains under strain, as competing powers vie for influence in this strategically important region.
In conclusion, the U.S. military strike on October 3, 2025, has reignited tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with Russia emerging as a key supporter of Caracas. The incident underscores the complex interplay of drug trafficking, geopolitics, and regional stability in the Caribbean. As both sides dig in, the risk of further escalation looms large, with potential consequences for Latin America and beyond. The international community will need to navigate these challenges carefully to avoid further destabilization in an already volatile region.