The President of the Bolivarian Republic, Nicolás Maduro, described the kidnapping of a fishing vessel by the United States in waters under Venezuela’s exclusive jurisdiction as an international disgrace. The statement was made during a press conference with national and international media:
«The kidnapping of a high-seas fishing vessel by the United States in waters under Venezuelan jurisdiction is an international disgrace, because it is our exclusive zone,» he stated.
The dignitary not only called the incident a global disgrace, but also denounced it as «a disgrace to the military honor of the United States forces.» He openly questioned the logic of the operation, asking:
«Are they going to combat drug trafficking with missile-launched destroyer ships?… When has that been done?… Which country did it? This is totally illogical, to send these vessels to attack tuna and snapper fishermen,» he stated.
The Venezuelan president praised “the exemplary, calm, firm, and patient» conduct of the fishermen during the altercation. However, he asked Washington a direct question: «Who gave the orders to attack a fishing vessel like this?»
The President explained that US forces were seeking to provoke a major military incident by keeping the fishermen for eight hours as their target. He asserted that the intention was to escalate a minor incident into a more serious situation.
In the face of this provocation, the head of state emphasized that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) exercise sovereignty with serenity and intelligence. He emphasized that they have not succumbed to provocations and will not do so, handling conflicts prudently.