Venezuelan F-16s Shadow USS Jason Dunham in Caribbean Skirmish

Two Venezuelan F-16 fighter aircraft conducted a provocative flyover of the USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) on Thursday, September 4, 2025, while the U.S. destroyer was operating in the Caribbean Sea. This incident has raised tensions between the United States and Venezuela amidst ongoing geopolitical strife.

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the encounter, stating that the Venezuelan jets approached the destroyer at a low altitude but did not engage in any hostile actions. The USS Jason Dunham was reportedly engaged in routine maritime operations at the time of the incident, which took place in international waters.

This latest development follows a series of increasingly aggressive military maneuvers from both nations. Venezuela has been known to assert its airspace sovereignty, often leading to confrontations with U.S. naval forces in the region. The Venezuelan government has characterized these military actions as necessary to protect national interests, while the U.S. maintains that its naval presence is essential for regional security.

As tensions continue to simmer, analysts suggest that further incidents could escalate the conflict. The U.S. has not ruled out increasing its naval deployments in response to similar provocations. For more on the implications of such military encounters, see related coverage on recent developments in U.S.-Venezuelan relations.