The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) on Thursday issued a new warning that the “cartel running Venezuela” should not interfere with counter-narco terror operations after two “Maduro regime” aircraft flew near a U.S. Navy vessel, according to the Trump administration.

Newsweek reached out to the DOD via email for additional comment Thursday night.

Why It Matters

The U.S. conducted a kinetic military strike in the southern Caribbean against a boat the administration says was tied to Venezuelan-linked “cartel” Tren de Aragua.

The blast comes amid heightened U.S.-Venezuela tensions after the U.S. expanded naval deployments near Venezuelan waters.

The recent moves have prompted warnings from Venezuelan officials and raised questions on the scope and legal basis of American operations in the region.

What To Know

In a post to X, the DOD said, “Today, two Maduro regime military aircraft flew near a U.S. Navy vessel in international waters. This highly provocative move was designed to interfere with our counter-narco terror operations.

“The cartel running Venezuela is strongly advised not to pursue any further effort to obstruct, deter or interfere with counter-narcotics and counter-terror operations carried out by the US military.”

CBS News first reported that two-armed Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets flew over the USS Jason Dunham on Thursday, citing multiple DOD officials.

This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.