Venezuela's Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino L贸pez, denounced airspace and maritime violations by the United States in the past 15 minutes, between 12:32 AM UTC and 12:47 AM UTC on September 15th, 2025. L贸pez also reiterated Venezuela's warning that it will respond firmly to any actions by Guyana or Trinidad and Tobago that imply aggression against the country, according to statements shared on social media. These statements come amid heightened regional military activity and follow earlier observations of U.S. military aircraft, including a P-8A Poseidon and potentially an MQ-9 Reaper, near Caribbean and Venezuelan airspace. The "Vikings" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225 are also reportedly on the ground in Puerto Rico. L贸pez had previously warned Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on September 14th that they would face repercussions if they allowed themselves to be used for attacks against Venezuela. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Caribbean, including deployments of F-35B stealth fighter aircraft to Puerto Rico and a significant naval presence, according to SOUTHCOM. A Venezuelan military transport aircraft, FAV-9508, a C-30H Hercules, was tracked flying from El Libertador air base to Orchila Island and returning on September 14th. The Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel was also dispatched from Willemstad, Cura莽ao, on the morning of September 14th, with its mission undisclosed.
