Venezuela Denounces Unauthorized Foreign Vessel Interception in Territorial Waters
Venezuela intercepts suspicious foreign vessel in its territorial waters near Orinoco Delta.Photo:EFE.
June 18, 2025 Hour: 9:24 pm
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemns the unauthorized presence of a foreign vessel conducting unpermitted scientific research in Venezuela’s territorial waters near the Orinoco Delta, underscoring national sovereignty and security.
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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.
The text reads: ❗#Important || The #MinDef GJ Vladimir Padrino López announced that a vessel was detected and intercepted in waters incontrovertibly and irrevocably Venezuelan, 50 miles from the Orinoco Delta. “A very suspicious ship, painted gray, also with military markings, and the ship is not military,” conducting scientific research in our Exclusive Economic Zone, he stated during the ceremony recognizing the merit of officers reaching 30 years of active service to the #Homeland.
Despite resistance from the vessel’s crew, the FANB successfully towed the 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.
Author: YCL
Source: teleSUR