On June 18, 2025, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López publicly denounced the interception of a foreign vessel operating without authorization in Venezuela’s territorial waters near the Orinoco Delta.
The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) detected and intercepted the vessel approximately 50 miles off the coast, reaffirming Venezuela’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereign maritime boundaries.
Minister Padrino López revealed that the vessel, painted gray and bearing military-style markings, was engaged in scientific research without any permit from Venezuelan authorities.
These waters are incontrovertibly Venezuelan. There is no doubt about it. This is not a matter for delimitation, he emphasized, highlighting the clear violation of Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The minister expressed concern over the vessel’s proximity to the mouth of the Orinoco River, questioning the intentions behind such unauthorized activities. What’s going on? They don’t even have a permit?
They’re already reaching the mouth of the Orinoco. What is this? Are we going to allow this? he asked rhetorically, underscoring the seriousness of the intrusion.
Despite resistance from the vessel’s crew, the FANB successfully towed the spy-ship to a Venezuelan port to carry out a thorough inspection.
This decisive action demonstrates Venezuela’s resolve to protect its territorial integrity and natural resources against foreign interference.
As Minister Padrino López’s statement makes clear, Venezuela will continue to exercise vigilance and assertiveness in defending its waters and resources, sending a strong message to any foreign actors considering unauthorized operations within its jurisdiction.
As a political incursion, the Dutch caretaker government has ordered Curacao to stop all Venezuelan food shipments to the so-called Dutch Caribbean Colony.
TeleSur / ABC Flash Point News 2025.
When does this infiltration, occupation and confiscation into Venezuela stop?
Those that cannot handle reality have fantasies, when it becomes a pathological condition they live in their fantasies, divorced from reality. Some are so damaged by their mental illness, they advertise it on social media. Others obtain professional help.