The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Friday that “two Venezuelan military aircraft flew over a US Navy ship in international waters,” warning Caracas against any further escalation following this “highly provocative step.”

The Pentagon said: “We strongly advise the cartel that runs Venezuela not to attempt any further interference, deterrence, or intervention in the US military’s counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations.”

The administration of US President Donald Trump accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel.

Washington has deployed warships in the southern Caribbean Sea amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

Washington accuses the Venezuelan president of running a drug trafficking network and recently doubled the reward for his capture to $50 million.